AlainaKroll

Walk through the hallways of Marian and you will see some recurring themes: hoop earrings, false nails, Jordans and Adidas. And, of course, the guaranteed sea of matching sets on the occasion of a free-dress day.

Every day, Marian students participate in Black culture. Each one of these “trends” was created by or popularized by Black people—even the music our peers listen to during study hall, such as hip-hop, R&B and country. 

Hoop earrings were used as a form of self-expression for Black and Latina women across the U.S. in the late 20th century. 

Originally condemned by their association with immigrants who commonly wore them, white people quickly categorized hoops as “ghetto” and “unprofessional.” Then, the Black Power Movement of the ’60s and ’70s as well as the popularization of hip-hop in the ’90s turned the masses’ view of hoops around. 

Black Culture Contributions

Black artists, such as Diana Ross and Beyoncé, proved that bold jewelry was a sign of a powerful and successful woman, contrary to what they were stereotyped as. Hoop earrings quickly became a symbol of unity, femininity and empowerment among marginalized groups, and have become so normalized that people all over the world wear them, no matter their race.   

      Acrylic nails, a symbol of wealth and beauty, were a fashion trend dominated by white women. Long nails were seen as a privilege, as they meant that the wearer could afford to live a leisurely life and didn’t have to perform manual labor.

This was until 1966 when Donyale Luna, the first Black supermodel to appear on the cover of Vogue, wore acrylics on the cover of the magazine. In doing this, she broke barriers that classified long nails as a luxury only for white women. 

Then, legendary Black track athlete Florence Griffith-Joyner, AKA “Flo Jo,” caught everyone’s eye in the ’80s. 

Not only did she set two world records representing the U.S. at the 1988 Summer Olympics, but she did so with remarkably long acrylic nails. 

Her additional appearance on the cover of Sports Illustrated that year with four Olympic medals and her signature long nails showed the world that acrylics are not reserved for one social class or occupation—working women can wear nails, too!

The art of the sweat set is not only rooted in comfort and style, but it was shaped and popularized by Black Americans in the late 20th century. Athleisure—the combination of athletic clothes and leisure wear—is one of the most common clothing styles today. 

However, it’s important to recognize that it is not only based on comfort, but also culture.

Black athletes in the ’80s and ’90s, especially basketball players, began wearing their workout clothes in their everyday lives. 

Clothing that was once solely deemed “gym clothes” were suddenly considered socially acceptable to wear outside of the gym. 

Black people all over the U.S. started to sport baggy silhouettes and favoring comfort, while still preserving their sense of style. 

The rise of hip-hop in the ’90s strengthened the movement with artists like Lauryn Hill and Tupac flaunting fashion and relaxation.

From accessories to clothing, the majority of current fashion trends are deeply rooted in Black culture. It’s important to keep in mind the source of your favorite style.