Apostel Paul said cover your head and black women said right on baby!

Nov 13, 2009 - When the Apostle Paul declared that women shall cover their heads during worship who knew a biblical commandment would have such a profound impact on fashion.  Our for-Sistas dating back to African American roots and beyond to the mother land, Africa, today's modern Afro-American women wears centuries of heritage on their heads.  "I think it's because it's rooted in the African tradition that says that when one presents oneself before God… that you should be at your best –- that you should present excellence before the Almighty," says Craig Marberry co-author of Crowns.  Well even if you have no intention of dressing to the Nines for the "Almighty" you can't deny that Church Ladies bring  majestic wisdom refined beauty to the fashion world. As the early 20th century was finding it's footing Afro-Americans were beginning to enjoy some limited independence.  "Sunday church services provided African American women who worked as domestic servants or in other subservient roles the only real chance to break away from their drab, dreary workday uniforms. says Michael Cunningham of Time Magazine and co-author of Crowns.  The women typically went for textured fabrics, bright colors and of course the key ingredient flamboyancy, some of the hats I see today have it all over Liberacci in that department.  A matching ensemble is also important to the outfit; shoes, pocket book and gloves but I don't need to tell you ladies that right ;) Hats also served as status symbols. - 10 Comments

Max Blumenthal on Fresh Air

Sep 14, 2009 - I know this is long and a little weird because its in interview format, but I thought this was great when I heard it the other day. This is FRESH AIR. I'm Terry Gross. - 4 Comments