20. A Lasting Cultural Legacy

The fashion and resilience of Black women in the 1970s have left an indelible mark on contemporary culture, continuing to influence today’s movements and trends. Their embrace of natural hairstyles, such as the Afro, and the adoption of African-inspired garments like dashikis and kente cloth, challenged prevailing beauty standards and celebrated cultural heritage. This period also saw the rise of Black-owned fashion brands and models, further asserting Black identity in the fashion industry. The ‘Black is Beautiful’ movement, which emerged during this time, fostered a sense of pride and self-worth that resonates in contemporary culture. More at Smithsonian NMAAHC.