Respect Our Roots

By Jade Henry
8th grader – Memorial Park Middle School

Have you ever wondered where the hairstyles that most African Americans wear today originated from? In most African tribes, braided hairstyles were a unique way to identify each tribe. Braid patterns and hairstyles were an indication of a person's tribe, age, marital status, wealth, power, and religion. Braiding was and is a social art.

Box Braids

Box braids originated in South Africa and can be dated as far back as 3500 B.C. The box braids we all know, and love today are not that different from the Eembuvi braids of Namibia or the chin-length bob braids of the women of the Nile Valley from over 3,000 years ago.

Cornrows

Slaves wore cornrows as a symbol of resistance because they used them as maps to escape slavery, and they would hide rice or seeds in their braids on their trip to enslavement.

Dutch Braids

Dutch braids were not invented by the Netherlands as many people think, this hairstyle became adopted by the South African immigrants that came to the Netherlands. African women used to tie their hair into various kinds of braids to protect them from the damage caused by the sun.

Wearing your hair braided represents your culture, the past, present and future. Be creative when designing your unique braids and remember that braiding continues to express who you are!

EXPRESS YOURSELF!