What is proper black or African American?

Answer 1

Anti-Dash Rationale

African American because the dash isn't called for.

Pro-Dash Rationale.

The correct one is African-American, because the dash stands for "and". In addition, the version with the dash is the more common practice.
they are both the same

Answer 2

Both are generally acceptable, but it depends who you ask.

Answer 3

African American