Black women felt connected to their African heritage when wearing garments with African-inspired designs.
Green and Blue Dashikis
Dashikis grew in popularity in North America in the 1960s during the Black power era. For example, Black women activist leaders, such as Kathleen Cleaver, wore them frequently during that time. Black people continue to wear dashikis today to show pride in Black identity.
Green tie-dyed dashiki with painted stylized pottery imagery and glitter accents, c. 2010s. Owned by Kara. Denim jeans, ISU Textile and Clothing Museum. Photo by Dyese Matthews and Kelly L. Reddy-Best, 2019.
Blue dashiki printed with intricate patterns at collar, hem, sleeves, and patch pockets, c. 2010s. Owned by Bianca. Denim jeans, ISU Textile and Clothing Museum. Photo by Dyese Matthews and Kelly L. Reddy-Best, 2019.
Floor Length Red and Green Dress/Red Necklace
Red, green, and white printed dress with rouched elastomeric waist and sweetheart neckline, c. 2010s. Owned by Bianca. Red necklace constructed of hand cut glass or ceramic barrel beads, c. 2010s. Owned by Kara. Photo by Dyese Matthews and Kelly L. Reddy-Best, 2019.Close up of rouched waistline, c. 2010s. Owned by Bianca. Photo by Dyese Matthews and Kelly L. Reddy-Best, 2019.Close up of red necklace constructed of hand cut glass or ceramic barrel beads, c. 2010s. Owned by Kara. Photo by Dyese Matthews and Kelly L. Reddy-Best, 2019.
Red, Blue, and White Dress
Red, blue, and white African Dutch wax print cotton dress with a sleeveless bodice and full pouf skirt, c. 2010s. Owned by Vashalice. Photo by Dyese Matthews and Kelly L. Reddy-Best, 2019.Close up of red, blue, and white African Dutch wax print cotton dress with a sleeveless bodice and full pouf skirt, c. 2010s. Owned by Vashalice. Photo by Dyese Matthews and Kelly L. Reddy-Best, 2019.
“That is a dress [above] that was made for me in Uganda in 2016. It was for a Peace Corps event that we were doing. One thing I noticed was that Ugandans who were there, whether it’s staff or people that were there helping out for the event, is said that I looked like I was at home in that particular outfit versus the white volunteers who were wearing it. Cause I know one particular staff member said that when she sees white volunteers wear her cultural things, we don’t mind people wearing our stuff. But she said it almost feels like they’re putting it on like a costume. And she said, ‘when I saw what you wore and the intentionality that you put behind it I can tell that you put time and care into it.’ And then when I think of when I wear something like that, it just kind of lets me know whatever I do, I try to be very respectful in what I’m doing and I want to be in clothing that makes me feel like I’m at home, safe, and comfortable.”
3/4 Length Sleeve Brown Dress
Fitted dress in brown, turquoise, and white repeating wave print, with a maroon lace overlay top, ¾ length sleeves and a bateau neckline, c. 2010s. Owned by Kara. Photo by Dyese Matthews and Kelly L. Reddy-Best, 2019.Close up of print fabric on fitted dress, c. 2010s. Owned by Kara. Photo by Dyese Matthews and Kelly L. Reddy-Best, 2019.
