For some, it was worn to achieve un-relaxed, healthy hair, and for others, it was to show solidarity with newly independent countries in Africa, such as Mali, Sudan, Morocco, Ghana and more. Kelley points out that the afro is one of the most powerful symbols of Black power style politics, but it was worn by many Black people in the 1950s before the Black power movement was in full swing. In an article from The Journal of Dress, Body and Culture, Robin D. In “ Black Hair and Textures of Defensiveness, ” Amber Jamilla Mussa writes that Davis’ ‘fro was an important part of her iconicity, because “the link between her politics and her hairdo evokes the same link between protest and unstraightened hair.” During that time, The Black Panthers and civil rights activists such as Angela Davis sported the natural style and gave it political meaning as they fought for racial equality. Most of us today would associate afros with The Black Power movement of the 1960s. Related: 10 times representation happened for Black women and why it matters. Knowing the history behind some of the most iconic Black hair styles lets us better understand the cultural and spiritual significance of our favourite looks because these styles are much more than a form of self-expression. Over the years in different regions across Africa, various hairstyles have held cultural significance and were used to convey one’s marital status, age, wealth, religion and more to one’s community, according to Cheryl Thompson. With that said, there are a number of iconic hairstyles that Black women still rock today, from afros to cornrows, which have a history that dates back to before the Common era. Black hair has been used as a tool of oppression since colonization and choosing to love it is a radical act in and of itself.
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