Yoonjoo You & Payton Felix - Feb 25 2023
Black History Month 2023
Black History Month is an important celebration to acknowledge the significant accomplishments of African-Americans who face a long history of racism and deal with modern day oppression. . Many people do their part to honor Black History Month by supporting African-Americans in their various fields during the season. Each year is given its own special theme. Last year focused on the importance of Black Health and Wellness. For this year, 2023, Black History Month is dedicated to Black Resistance, which focuses on how African Americans have responded to disadvantages and oppression from the past to the present.
Black History Month is not only a period of acknowledging the past, but of keeping those stories and memories alive by contributing to the culture. One meaningful way for African Americans to express their identity, pride, and resilience has been through fashion where they are able to utilize their creative visual expression.
African American fashion has evolved over the years due to its deep roots in both African and American cultures. African Americans have created a unique fashion culture on their own drawing inspiration from the vibrant fabrics in traditional African clothing and the influence of American hip-hop. Whether it's bold statement pieces or casual streetwear, African American fashion stands out from the crowd and celebrates the beauty of black culture.
The most prominent aspect of African American fashion is its focus on self-expression. African American fashion seeks to express individual identity and combat stereotypes about what African Americans "should" wear. It provides the freedom to choose styles that reflect the wearer's personality and unique tastes. The clothing empowers the wearer by allowing them to make a statement and show their pride in their culture through their fashion choices.
As a part of Black History Month, many fashion stylists, costume directors, retailers, and influencers are using their platforms to recognize the significance of black culture in the industry. From showcasing iconic Black artists to dedicating collections to civil rights movements, fashion is honoring this special month in many unique ways.
For example, popular fashion brands like Nike and Adidas have released their own Black History Month collections. These collections feature graphics, patterns, and photographs that pay tribute to prominent Black figures and historical moments. Many makeup brands are curating special beauty collections in honor of Black History Month. Each collection contains shades designed to represent the vast array of beauty found within the African American community. In an effort to make black history more accessible and relatable, some fashion publications and magazines are dedicating entire issues to Black.
In honor of this momentous annual event, we'd like to invite you to use fashion to your effective visual representation of our commitment. There are four colors deeply symbolic of Black History Month; black, red, yellow, and green. Black represents resilience, red represents blood, yellow represents optimism and justice, and green represents greenery. In honor of Black History Month, why not wear something with these four colors? It will be a worthwhile experience for you.