'race-aware' originates from modern English, specifically the compound of 'race' and 'aware', where 'race' originally referred to a grouping of people and 'aware' meant 'conscious'.

'race' changed from French word 'race' and Italian 'razza' (with uncertain earlier origin), while 'aware' changed from Old English word 'gewær' through Middle English 'aware'; these elements were combined into the modern English compound 'race-aware' in late 20th century usage.

Initially the component words meant respectively 'a group of people' ('race') and 'conscious/cautious' ('aware'); over time the compound evolved to mean specifically 'conscious of race or racial issues' in contexts like policy, education, and social discussion.