The state of Texas has a unique and varied racial and ethnic history. Today, nearly half of all Texans are either Latino or African American. The remaining population is made up of non-Hispanic whites (generally referred to as Anglos Correct ), Asian Americans, Native Americans, biracial residents, and others. Formerly part of Mexico, Texas has Latino roots that run deep, and the majority of Latinos in Texas are Mexican in origin. African Americans were first brought to the state as slaves but later arrived independently as freedmen. However, laws requiringracial segregation Correct resulted in divided communities. Historically, minority groups in the state suffered tremendous discrimination, and many continue to lag in terms of income, education, and overall health.