"Formerly enslaved African Americans who gained their freedom after the American Civil War."
Here's why:
* "Freedmen" specifically refers to the people who were formerly enslaved. It doesn't encompass all African Americans, only those who were previously enslaved.
* The term highlights the historical context of emancipation. It emphasizes the transition from slavery to freedom that occurred during and after the Civil War.
It's important to note that while "freedmen" is a historically accurate term, it's not always considered respectful by modern African Americans. Some prefer terms like "formerly enslaved people" or "Black people who gained freedom after the Civil War."