The adornment of African-Americans was also a way to maintain cultural identity. While many European-Americans chose to follow the styles of earlier England, Spain, France, and the remainder of Europe, African-Americans reflected the ideals of dress that they once had in Africa. The stylistic manner in which their clothing draped over their bodies was unique to their cultural heritage and consequently provided a sense of cultural identity. The hairstyles reflected the traditional ways of the African homeland. With shells, beads, and braids, African-American women echoed the cry for freedom that so many other slaves shared by stressing their individuality. African-American style and dress was unique to the African-American culture.
This is an excerpt from an essay by G. Brandon Brown.
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