race man, n. — Green’s Dictionary of Slang

race man n.

also race woman

[i.e. one who is conscious of their SE race]

(US) a culturally conscious black person, esp. one who advocates black civil rights.

1928		R. Fisher Walls Of Jericho 297: Synonyms of Negro [...] : race-man, race-woman.
1937		D. Burley in Chicago Defender 27 Feb. 7: The folks who will lead Memphis to a square deal for the Race man.
1962		P. Crump Burn, Killer, Burn! 68: That was a real pretty speech, Hank, I didn’t know you were a race man.
1975		E. Torres Carlito’s Way 7: We was tryin’ to melt into the pot but they wouldn't even let us in the swimming pool. Hijos de puta. Irregardless, I was never a race man.