Other American Studies Commons^™

Fashion Statement Or Political Statement: The Use Of Fashion To Express Black Pride During The Civil Rights And Black Power Movements Of The 1960’S, Mary Vargas

Undergraduate Review

The Civil Rights Movement brought the plight of African Americans to the forefront of American political and intellectual thought. The ideological foundation of this movement was a feeling of black pride coupled with a strong sense of urgency for equality. Black activists and supporters, to express their solidarity and support of this movement, adorned symbolic clothing, accessories and hairstyles. Politics and fashion were fused during this time and the use of these symbolic fashion statements sent a clear message to America and the rest of the world that African Americans were proud of their heritage, that Black was indeed beautiful …