Green’s Dictionary of Slang

(US black) a black person.

1944

M. Wheeler Steamboatin’ Days 33: I know the white folks don’t b’lieve all the things the Naps* b’lieve in, but this worl’ is full uv meanness....*The darkie’s own word for those of his race. It refers to ‘nappy haired’ or the thick woolly hair of the Negro [HDAS].