Flashback: The Afro Movement -
By: Kellie Rich -
 "Say it loud! I'm Black and I'm Proud!", was the anthem of the era. The 60's, where the emergence of black pride was palpable, you could literally feel it. Women and men of color proudly showed off their texture in big bold picked out afros.
Whether your style was like the sexy-sassy Tamara Dodson or the progressive Angela Davis, your natural was "out of sight".
The generation of this period in Black history rocked theirs in beautiful jet black, honey blonde, and all the wonderful shades in between. However, the style or the shade was the least of its importance—it was about the expression of Black pride.
The Afro style supported this generation's mission for social equality. It was one of many ways they embraced their roots out loud, without having to speak a word. In the 60's, the objective was not to simulate to white America, but to establish a sense of cooperative ownership with all people of the country, without forfeiting their culture. Driven by the Civil Rights Movement, this and other social issues were quite imperative to the progression of this generation.
Everybody was sayin' it loud, rocking their afro thang! But you can't talk about the afro without mentioning the afro pick, now can we? The pick showed off the black power fist of pride—showing support for the movement too. This was a variation of the traditional African comb that dates back to the 14th century. You can still find those picks today. Looks like the fist of pride will never lose its meaning.
From the 60's to present day times, the afro lives on. Let's continue wearing this beautiful and historic hairstyle. It deserves a *RIGHT ON!* from time to time.
Afro pic by: Derrick Scurry February 5, 2009
 |
Subscribe to this comment's feed
Show/hide comments
