I’m Black and I’m Proud, Say it Loud

In honor of Black History Month, Crier explores various aspects of Black culture

Atarah Israel and Alison Lee, Managing Editor and Copy Editor|February 17, 2021

SNEAKER CULTURE Modern sneaker culture was made famous by black athletes, particularly basketball players. Resurfacing recently are Retro Air Jordons, which came out in 1985.

FASHION

STREETWEAR Through a combination of influence from both hip hop artists and black athletes, track suits became a popular aspect of streetwear during the ‘80s and ‘90s.

HAIR

NATURAL HAIR Though having origins as far back as the ancient world, natural hair today has received attention in popular culture through celebrity hairstyles and social media. In 2016, Beyoncé celebrated the dynamic nature of Black hair in the release of her visual album, “Lemonade.”

MUSIC

HIP HOP Originating in the late ‘70s, and reaching new heights by the ‘80s, hip hop has become an intersection for various aspects of black culture. Numerous slang terms, hairstyles and fashion trends today can be traced to various artists throughout time, such as RUN-DMC’s influence over Black fashion.
(Max Lindenmayer)

Cultural Appropriation or Appreciation?

“

It’s unfair to celebrate these things without acknowledging the Black people who had a hand in making it.”

— Eddie J. Lewis, junior

“

(It’s) when you are able to embrace our music, our fashion and other aspects of our culture, without being able to drop the prejudices and see us as your equal.”

— Johnathan Bryson-Harvey, junior

From curly to coily

Various types of Black hair

Naturally voluminous with tight, densely packed curls.
This hair type is typically tightly coiled in springy coils.
This hair type is more fragile and has a tight zig-zag pattern.