News

African nationals wore their heritage and culture at the Opening Ceremonies of the Tokyo Olympics. Here's an overview of the top 10 best dressed delegations. Bénin. Dressed in traditional custom matching outfits, the Benin delegation is wearing a fabric called "lessi" , or lace. Shades of royal blue remind us of the nation once called Abomey were the kingdom once ruled the region, supported by an army of women warriors called "Amazones". The traditional head gear matches perfectly to complete the look. Bravo Bénin!   The Cameroon delegation is wearing toghu Bamenda embroidered on black velvet. Traditional patterns of gold,...

Now that I work from home, I can wear my afro-centric clothing without the white gaze. I love it! I have pajamas I purchased online that remind me of The Ancestors. I got them in flannel and in satin, so I can wear them year round.  There's a certain level of confidence I get from wearing clothing that are both stylish, comfortable and culturally aligned with my Blackness.  

Although we may take it for granted now, it used to be very uncommon to see Black characters in pajamas. The first African-American characters were only peripheral, meaning we never got to see where they lived, much less their bedroom attire. But this began to change in the 70s, as TV shows such as Good Times and Different Strokes showed characters in pajamas. Good Times -  JJ (1974) The character JJ’s (played by James Carter Walker Jr.) orange jumpsuit pajamas was a laughing matter, matched by the character’s trademark bucket hat. Even when sleeping JJ kept on his signature bucket...

I married an African man. He is kind, gentle, thoughtful... and he cooks!   We live in a northern climate. It is cold in the winter. It requires flannel pajamas -- something he didn't have in his tropical wardrobe.    As winter approached, I went hunting for flannel pajamas for men. I quickly realized that the available styles varied from navy-and-green plaid to red-and-black plaid. These ubiquitous patterns reflect a European heritage. I thought it wise to look for a fabric that reflected my husband's origins, and my own.   I browsed several department stores. Then specialty boutiques. Then  I scoured the internet...