Celebrating Black Heritage Month is about honoring the past, celebrating the present, and inspiring the future and what better way to do that than through the power of fashion? Clothing is more than just fabric; it’s a statement, a story, and a celebration of black culture. That’s why we’re lining up 9 dresses that upgrade your style and pay homage to the Black community’s rich heritage, resilience, and creativity. From vibrant Afro-centric prints to modern designs that reflect the strength and elegance of black women, these pieces are a tribute to the past, present, and future. Let’s dive in and explore 9 Black History Month dresses that can be a meaningful part of your celebration because honoring history can be as beautiful as it is powerful. But first… 9 Black History Month dresses What Is Black History Month? Black History Month is a yearly celebration that honors and acknowledges the African diaspora’s contributions, achievements, and history in America. Dr. Carter G. Woodson founded it in 1926 to promote African American history. President Gerald Ford formally acknowledged it as a month-long festival in 1976. Why Is Black History Month Important? African American History Month is important because it highlights and honors African Americans’ achievements and contributions in science, the arts, and civil rights. It’s also an educational platform that allows people to learn about important events and black leaders who helped shape the country. Additionally, it informs about the resilience and empowerment of black communities. February is also a time to celebrate the cultural heritage showcasing achievements in music, arts, and literature. How To Celebrate? Celebrate the month by supporting local black-owned businesses and engaging in community service with non-profit organizations that support Black communities. Celebrate the month with creative expressions by hosting brunches or dinners featuring African American cuisine and dressing up in African-print dresses, jumpsuits, or mudcloth dresses with long sleeves. Now, let’s get into the dresses that will help you celebrate Black History Month in style. The first dress on our lineup is the beautiful Color Me Fabulous Maxi Dress by Studio EY. This one-size-smocked dress features a bold, all-over print accentuated by a tiered flounced hem and a pointed peplum waist.

Started as Negro History Week in 1926, it was the brainchild of Harvard-educated historian Carter G. Woodson (known as the “Father of Black History”). In 1970, the Black United Students and Black Educators at Kent State University expanded the idea to include the entire month of February, coinciding with the birthdays of Abraham Lincoln and Frederick Douglas (leader of the New York & Massachusetts abolition movement). Since 1976, every U.S. president has designated February as Black History Month in observance of African Americans. (Photo credit – University of Fashion- Vlisco African dashiki print Perelman Museum, Philadelphia) When most of us think of African dress, the first thing that comes to mind is the dashiki, a loose-fitting garment made of a colorful printed cotton. But, do you know the origin of those prints? African Prints are wax prints that are industrialized versions of hand-drawn, hand-blocked and hand-dyed batik patterns that date to 8th century China and India. It wasn’t until later in the 13th century that islanders on Java refined the technique. The two factories that originally created these prints, ABC (an English wax company that moved to Ghana), and Vlisco, (located in the Netherlands), eventually found a market for them in West Africa around 1867. Since then, the prints caught on and have been made popular by African vendors who assign meaning and value to them. The powerful businesswomen who sell these prints in Africa are nicknamed “Mama Benz” after the fancy cars they buy with their earnings. In the U.S., African prints are worn as a symbol of pride and they continue in popularity among designers on the global stage. To learn more about West African textiles, view our series: West African Textiles: Manjak Cloth of Senegal, West African Textiles: Mali-Bògòlanfini and West African Textiles: Faso Dan Fani Cloth of Burkina Faso. (Photo credit: University of Fashion – Vlisco print at Perelman Museum, Philadelphia) In fact, the Vlisco bull’s-eye pattern below was used in Burberry’s spring/summer 2012 collection. And Studio 189, a Ghana/U.S.-based sustainable fashion line debuted their print collection at NYFW 2019. Zelda Barbour Wynn Valdes was the first African American fashion and costume designer, as well as the first black designer to open her own shop in 1948 located on Broadway in New York City. Her designs were worn by such famous entertainers as Dorothy Dandridge, Josephine Baker, Marian Anderson, Ella Fitzgerald, Mae West, Ruby Dee, Eartha Kitt and Sarah Vaughan, among others. Zelda Barbour Wynn Valdes (Photo credit: blackthen.com) Zelda Barbour Wynn Valdes was born on June 28, 1905 in Chambersburg, Pennsylvania. She studied her grandmother’s work as a seamstress and also worked in her uncle’s tailoring shop. She began work as a stock girl at a high-end boutique around 1920 and worked her way up to become the boutique’s first black salesclerk and tailor. In 1948, at the age of forty-seven, Valdes opened her boutique in Manhattan on Broadway and West 158th Street with her sister, Mary Barbour, who worked as her assistant. She called her store, Chez Zelda. Valdes’s boutique soon attracted numerous celebrities and society women. In 1949 Valdes was elected president of the New York Chapter of the National Association of Fashion and Accessory Designers (NAFAD), an organization of black designers that was founded by educator and political activist Mary McLeod Bethune. In the early 1950s, Life Magazine described Valdez as the “Black Marilyn Monroe.”

Black History Month is now in full-swing, and if you're anything like us, you're probably looking for the perfect garment to celebrate your heritage! That's why we put on our research glasses to find out which garments are the most popular this February. If you want to enjoy the colorful, vibrant style of Africa while reflecting your pride and heritage, this post is for you. So without further ado, here are the fashions! #1 - Traditional Dashiki Nothing gets you into the spirit of Black History faster than a traditional dashiki! In the 1960s, a time where African American cultural and political struggles were at an all time high, dashikis became popular among men and women who wanted to show their independence from Western culture. At a time when the acceptable fashion was conservative, neatly tucked shirts, the bright, bold colorful shirts, worn un-tucked, were a way for people to show pride in their African heritage. #2 - Traditional Print Luxury Skirt Set These traditional print skirt sets come in a variety of vibrant colors that are sure to capture attention no matter where you go. You can read about the unique history of traditional print styles. #3 - Traditional Print Maxi Skirt These vibrant maxi skirts are an easy way to celebrate your unique style this February. You can easily pair these with a black tank top or tee to have a statement-making look. Learn more about the meaning of traditional print fabric. #4 - Children's Traditional Dashiki Who says kid's can't be a part of Black History Month? Let the little ones enjoy the festivities and show off their African pride with these bright, colorful, comfortable dashikis. This is a great opportunity to share with your kids the history of the dashiki and let them learn more about their African-American heritage. #5 - Men's Luxury Pant Set Gold embroidery, intricate craftsmanship, and vibrant colors make these luxury pant suits a must-have for any man this February! This dashiki is soft and roomy and helps you to declare your love of African history and the civil rights movement. Find out more about the importance of the dashiki.#11 - Mud Cloth Dashiki This dashiki is completely hand-crafted out of hand-dyed, woven, and designed mucloth fabric. Each dashiki is created in Mali, West Africa, in the tradition that has been passed down for centuries of time. Each symbol has a meaning and often the colors as well. Find out more about the meaning and symbolism of mudcloth. #12 - Embroidered Grand Boubou  This completely elegant boubou is hand-crafted from genuine hand-woven brocade fabric. It features dazzling gold embroidery and comes complete with a matching kufi cap. You can't find elegance like this made by a machine! Each boubou is hand-made in Ghana or Gambia.

Black History Month is a time to celebrate the achievements, struggles, and triumphs of African Americans throughout history. One way to show your appreciation and respect is by dressing in a way that honors your heritage. In this article, we’ll explore what to wear for Black History Month and provide some stylish and meaningful outfit ideas. Why Dress for Black History Month? Dressing for Black History Month is a way to show solidarity and appreciation for the culture and contributions of African Americans. It’s an opportunity to educate yourself and others about the significance of the month and the people who have shaped our history. By wearing clothes that pay homage to African American culture, you can help promote unity and pride within the community. What to Wear: Traditional African Clothing Traditional African clothing is a great way to pay homage to the continent and its rich cultural heritage. Here are some popular traditional African clothing items you can wear for Black History Month: Dashiki: A colorful and stylish tunic that is a staple of West African culture. Kaftan: A long, flowing robe that is commonly worn in North Africa and the Horn of Africa. Kente cloth: A vibrant and iconic textile that originated in Ghana and is often worn during special occasions. African print: A colorful and bold fabric that is used to make a variety of clothing items, including dresses, skirts, and shirts. What to Wear: African-Inspired Fashion If you don’t have traditional African clothing in your wardrobe, don’t worry! You can still incorporate African-inspired elements into your outfit. Here are some tips: Add African patterns: Incorporate African patterns such as kente cloth, dashiki, or Adinkra symbols into your outfit through scarves, hats, or accessories. Wear bold colors: African-inspired clothing often features bright and bold colors. Incorporate these colors into your outfit through clothing, accessories, or makeup. Embrace natural fabrics: African-inspired clothing often features natural fabrics such as cotton, linen, or silk. Opt for natural fabrics for a more authentic look. What to Wear: Modern African-American Fashion African-American fashion has a rich history and has been influenced by various styles and cultures. Here are some outfit ideas for Black History Month that incorporate traditional African clothing, African-inspired fashion, and modern African-American fashion: Dashiki and trousers: Pair a dashiki with bold, colorful trousers and sneakers for a stylish and modern look. Kaftan and leggings: Wear a kaftan over leggings and sneakers for a comfortable and stylish outfit. Kente cloth scarf: Wear a kente cloth scarf with a plain white or black shirt and jeans for a pop of color and cultural flair. African print dress: Wear an African print dress with a pair of tights and boots for a stylish and bold look. African-inspired streetwear: Pair African-inspired streetwear clothing with sneakers and a hat for a modern and stylish outfit. Conclusion Black History Month is a time to celebrate the achievements, struggles, and triumphs of African Americans throughout history. By dressing in a way that honors your heritage, you can show your appreciation and respect for the culture and contributions of African Americans. Remember to avoid stereotypes and cultural appropriation, and opt for clothing that is meaningful and respectful. With these outfit ideas, you’ll be sure to make a stylish and impactful statement during Black History Month. Your friends have asked us these questions - Check out the answers!

According to African Imports, the Kente style was first developed in South Ghana by two hunters who used both the fabrics of silk and wool to create this style. Kente cloth is most recognized for its sequential patterns and array of colors; in which each color has its own defined meaning. Dashiki is an African garment that falls below the waist and covers the top half of the body. Typically, it contains the color schemes of black, red, white and green. This particular African style became popular during the 1960s during the Civil Rights Movement. Political groups and leaders proudly showcased their Dashikis to show homage to their heritage and culture. The Dashiki garment has become a symbol of black history in the United States, and is often labeled as the most popular style when it comes to celebrating black culture. The Mud cloth is an historic fashion of African dress that was originated by the Malian culture. Each piece of cloth is hand dyed with a mud mixture, creating its dark brown grainy texture. These garments were used as camouflage for hunters and given to women for protection, as many tribe members believe that the cloth has the capability of repealing negative and threatening situations. Black History Month is a perfect time to embrace African clothing, but we don’t have to limit ourselves to just the short month of February. The beauty and art of African dress should be acknowledged all year long. Posted in Campus Fashion, Student Styles, Style, Style & Beauty and tagged with African, African American, Black History Month, Chanda Crenshaw, Fashion, Style. Story by Chanda Crenshaw Featured image via @dashikishirts Photos from Pinterest & Tumblr During the month of February, one way to embrace African culture is showcasing some of its traditional clothing. African garments receive a lot of praise for the intricate patterns and vibrant colors, but there's a deeper meaning to the clothing than what only catches

The first recorded celebration of Black history in the United States dates back to February 1926, when historian Carter G. Woodson founded “Negro History Week,” to coincide with the birthdays of Abraham Lincoln and Frederick Douglass, two important figures in Black American history. The week was later expanded to a month-long celebration and was officially recognized as Black History Month by President Gerald Ford during the celebration of the U.S. Bicentennial in 1976, to bring attention to the contributions of Black Americans and to promote a greater understanding of Black history and culture. Canada also celebrates Black History Month in February (since 1995) and Belgium celebrates in March (since 2017). In Europe, October is Black History Month and has been celebrated in the U.K. (1987), Germany (1990), Ireland (2010), Netherlands (2010), France (2018) and in Africa (2020). Black History Month in the U.S. is observed with a theme chosen by the Association for the Study of African American Life and History (ASALH). The theme is meant to highlight a specific aspect of Black history, such as the Civil Rights Movement, the contributions of Black women, or the role of Black Americans in the arts. Throughout the month there are a variety of events and activities held to celebrate Black history, including parades, cultural festivals, and lectures. The theme for 2023 is “Black Resistance,” and explores how African-Americans have resisted historic and ongoing oppression, in all forms, especially the racial terrorism of lynching, racial pogroms and police killings, since the nation’s earliest days. As recently as Jan. 7, 2023, Tyre Nichols, a young black man in Memphis was brutally beaten and killed during a traffic stop by five Black police officers. In 2020, the killing of George Floyd led to the growth of the Black Lives Matter movement. This movement led to subsequent protests and forced many fashion brands and designers to re-examine their practices and their commitment to promoting diversity and inclusivity within the industry. The Black Lives Matter movement has had a significant impact on the fashion industry and so has the pandemic. In fact, according to a recent article in Axios: “ The last couple of years have ushered in a Black entrepreneurship boom. In 2021, Black-owned businesses were started at the fastest clip in 26 years, The Washington Post reports. The number of Black business owners was 28% higher in the third quarter of 2021 than it was pre-pandemic, per U.S. News and World Report. Other groups are starting more businesses, too. The number of white business owners was 5% higher in 2021’s third quarter than pre-pandemic, and the number of Latino entrepreneurs was 19% higher. But the biggest change is in Black communities.”

Celebrate Black History Month with our modern take on African-inspired clothing with bold looks for men and women. Our collection of black history outfits is designed to honor and celebrate Black culture and heritage. Featuring a wide range of clothing, including everything from traditional African attire to contemporary styles. Enjoy our variety of vibrant and meaningful pieces that pay homage to the rich history and contributions of the Black community. Celebrate Black History Month with our modern take on African-inspired clothing with bold looks for men and women. Our collection of black history outfits is designed to honor and celebrate Black culture and heritage.

African textiles from various regions such as the Bogolan (mudcloth)of the Bambara tribe in Mali and Aso Oke of the Yoruba tribe in Nigeria are just to name a few of the fabrics that are very different yet attractively distinct. And yet, somehow, the colorful wax print cloth popularly known by most as “Ankara” or “African print” has also grown to become the most prominent marker of a distinct African identity. Never mind that there is nothing really African about the African print whose origins are actually Dutch. These wax prints though, have gained a certain type of precedence luring many from all walks of life to their colours and vibrancy. Many African designers I’ve come across seek to ascertain their African influences and also transcend them at the same time. When it comes to African fashion and styles, I would argue that the most successful brands are the ones who are able to adopt their clothing designs and styles to suit the tastes of their customer. You should buy from African fashion brands who place a lot of effort into ensuring their clothing are stitched with top quality for a variety of audiences. There are many of these brands located both on the continent in the Diaspora. Do not wait until January or February to start preparing your wardrobe for Black History Month festivities. Get your African fashion and styles in gear. Not sure where to shop for the right clothes? Here are some tips below for wearing African fashion styles for Black History Month. Wear an African Kaftan or Dashiki Image source The good thing about a Kaftan is that it’s a flowy piece of clothing that hangs loosely around the neck, drapes over the shoulders and falls to the waist, knees or the ankles, usually with short or long sleeves. Kaftans fit loosely and it’s always a good idea to go one size bigger than usual for achieving that flowy look. It could look like a dashiki or be made of other types of print fabrics in a similar style. Amazon sells some affordable kaftan dresses here but to sure to research the merchant so as to ensure that you are supporting an African seller. Wrap your head in African prints Image source Have you ever tried to adorn your head with a beautiful piece of fabric? Seriously, you should if you have not. It is simultaneously empowering and emboldening – a recipe for good looks. Also known as a turban, a headwrap cover the head and knots tightly close to the front or back of the skull depending on the style you are aiming for. Find out more about where to buy headwraps here. Try some bold African make-up Image source Using some white face paint, start by creating some dots from the forehead to the chin and aligned with the brow bone and cheek bones, being careful to leave at least one inch of space between the paint and the eyes. Layer with lines until you are satisfied with the look. Get your African fashion styles in gear for Black History Month with these simple tips. Not sure where to shop? We have got all those details covered too!

For some people, wearing an African dashiki is a tradition in Black History Month. This probably is the reason why dashiki sales soar so high during February. Dashikis are directly associated with Africa, and instantly recognizable as an African look. In Nigeria and many other African countries, dashikis are worn for comfort in the hot climate. In America, the African dashiki sends its own message. What is a dashiki? A dashiki is a colorful garment that covers the top half of the body. The dashiki found a market in America during the Black cultural and political struggles in the 1960s. The dashiki rebelled against men's fashions of that time: brightly colored instead of drab, loose instead of tight, worn outside the pants instead of tucked in. It could be worn defiantly on occasions that normally would call for a coat and tie. The dashiki was worn as a way to protest society' s disrespect for African Americans. It was a symbol of affirmation, it stood for "black is beautiful," and signaled a return to African roots, and insistence on full rights in American society. The militancy of the 1960s may have faded, but the dashiki has not. It still serves as a symbol of Africanness within American culture, especially during Kwanzaa and Black History Month. It is also sometimes worn as a high fashion look or just a colorful, comfortable shirt for all occasions. Click here to find out HOW TO START YOUR OWN BUSINESS selling African products! Celebrate Black History Month with Dashiki the vibrant symbol of Africa. Explore the rich cultural heritage and fashion legacy in our insightful blog.