Connect with us

Arts and Culture

Rooted in Tradition: The Intricate History of Black Hair Braiding

Braids are a multicultural hair fashion. Braiding has been identified in Africa, Greece, Italy and Egypt dating as far back as 2000 BC. Along with the many cultures, there are many types of braids including Micro braids, goddess braids, Ghana braids, snake, mohawk, Dutch, French, halo, fishtail, waterfall and so on. There appears to be as many types of braids as there are types of hair. African American braids hold a rich and significant history that goes beyond mere aesthetics, deeply rooted in culture, tradition, and resilience.

Published

on

Portrait of Ethiopian Emperor Yohannes IV. Public Domain.
Portrait of Ethiopian Emperor Yohannes IV. Public Domain.

By Tamara Shiloh

Braids are a multicultural hair fashion. Braiding has been identified in Africa, Greece, Italy and Egypt dating as far back as 2000 BC. Along with the many cultures, there are many types of braids including Micro braids, goddess braids, Ghana braids, snake, mohawk, Dutch, French, halo, fishtail, waterfall and so on. There appears to be as many types of braids as there are types of hair.

African American braids hold a rich and significant history that goes beyond mere aesthetics, deeply rooted in culture, tradition, and resilience. These intricate styles, which have adorned the heads of African people for centuries, carry with them stories of identity, resistance, and cultural pride.

The history of braiding dates back thousands of years to ancient Africa, with evidence of complex braiding found in ancient Egyptian artifacts dating as far back as 3500 BCE. Braiding was more than a hairstyle in many African societies, serving to classify its practitioners, too. Different styles could communicate a person’s age, marital status, wealth and tribe. The Himba of Namibia are masters of elaborate braiding, employed to denote stages of a woman’s life.

The early Africans put to good use their ancient knowledge of coded languages against their masters. One of such means was through the multifaceted African black hair. It was in this time that the cornrows patterns on Afro hair became more complex. Communications between slaves were restricted but the braids and cornrows they wore could send the necessary messages where needed. These included locations to meet, thoughts, and responses.

African women would braid rice and other grains into their hair, or their children’s hair, to ensure they had food during the Middle Passage, the 80-day journey that transported enslaved Africans across the Atlantic to America. This practice was called cornrows and involved hiding other seeds and grains, such as okra, peanuts, benne, and watermelon. The women would braid these items into their hair before traveling, or before separating children between plantations.

Enslaved Africans also used braiding to maintain a sense of community and to pass on traditions and knowledge through generations.

Braids are not just a style; this craft is a form of art. Women and men of all ages are getting their hair braided on a day-to-day basis casually or for an elegant event. The art of hair braiding has evolved beyond the original cultural purposes.

From ancient African societies to contemporary fashion runways, braids have remained a powerful symbol of identity and resistance. As we continue to celebrate and honor these intricate styles, it is crucial to remember and respect their rich historical and cultural significance.

#NNPA BlackPress

IN MEMORIAM: Legendary Funk Pioneer Sly Stone Dies at 82

Sly Stone’s musical approach radically reshaped popular music. He transcended genre boundaries and empowered a new generation of artists. The band’s socially conscious message and infectious rhythms sparked a wave of influence, reaching artists as diverse as Miles Davis, George Clinton, Prince, Dr. Dre, and the Roots.

Published

on

Sly and the Family Stone play the Opera House in Bournemouth. Mojo review. Photo by Simon Fernandez.
Sly and the Family Stone play the Opera House in Bournemouth. Mojo review. Photo by Simon Fernandez.

By Stacy M. Brown
BlackPressUSA.com Newswire

Sylvester “Sly” Stewart—known to the world as Sly Stone, frontman of the groundbreaking band Sly and the Family Stone—has died at the age of 82.

His family confirmed that he passed away peacefully at his Los Angeles home surrounded by loved ones, after battling chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) and other health complications.

Born March 15, 1943, in Denton, Texas, Stone moved with his family to Vallejo, California, as a child. He began recording gospel music at age 8 with his siblings in a group called the Stewart Four. By his teenage years, he had mastered multiple instruments and was already pioneering racial integration in music—an ethos that would define his career.

In 1966, Sly and his brother Freddie merged their bands to form Sly and the Family Stone, complete with a revolutionary interracial, mixed-gender lineup.

The band quickly became a commercial and cultural force with hits such as “Dance to the Music,” “Everyday People,” and “Thank You (Falettinme Be Mice Elf Agin)”—all penned by Stone himself.

Their album “Stand!” (1969) and live performances—most notably at Woodstock—cemented their reputation, blending soul, funk, rock, gospel, and psychedelia to reflect the optimism and turmoil of their era.

Sly Stone’s musical approach radically reshaped popular music. He transcended genre boundaries and empowered a new generation of artists. The band’s socially conscious message and infectious rhythms sparked a wave of influence, reaching artists as diverse as Miles Davis, George Clinton, Prince, Dr. Dre, and the Roots.

As the 1970s progressed, Stone confronted personal demons. His desire to use music as a response to war, racism, and societal change culminated in the intense album “There’s a Riot Goin’ On” (1971). But drug dependency began to undermine both his health and professional life, leading to erratic behavior and band decline through the early 1980s.

Withdrawn from the public eye for much of the 1990s and early 2000s, Stone staged occasional comebacks. He was inducted into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame in 1993, received a Lifetime Achievement Award from the Grammys in 2017, and captured public attention following the 2023 release of his memoir “Thank You (Falettinme Be Mice Elf Agin)”—published under Questlove’s imprint. He also completed a biographical screenplay and was featured in Questlove’s documentary “Sly Lives!” earlier this year.

His influence endured across generations. Critics and historians repeatedly credit him with perfecting funk and creating a “progressive soul,” shaping a path for racial integration both onstage and in the broader culture.

“Rest in beats Sly Stone,” legendary Public Enemy frontman Chuck D posted on social media with an illustrative drawing of the artist. “We should thank Questlove of the Roots for keeping his fire blazing in this century.”

Emmy-winning entertainment publicist Danny Deraney also paid homage. “Rest easy Sly Stone,” Deraney posted. “You changed music (and me) forever. The time he won over Ed Sullivan’s audience in 1968. Simply magical. Freelance music publicist and Sirius XM host Eric Alper also offered a tribute.

“The funk pioneer who made the world dance, think, and get higher,” Alper wrote of Sly Stone. “His music changed everything—and it still does.”

Sly Stone is survived by three children.

Continue Reading

Activism

Oak Temple Hill Hosts Interfaith Leaders from Across the Bay Area

Distinguished faith leaders Rev. Ken Chambers, executive director the Interfaith Council of Alameda County (ICAC); Michael Pappas, executive director of the San Francisco Interfaith Council; and Dr. Ejaz Naqzi, president of the Contra Costa County Interfaith Council addressed the group on key issues including homelessness, food insecurity, immigration, and meaningful opportunities to care for individuals and communities in need. 

Published

on

Troy McCombs (from the state of Washington), Elder Mark Mortensen (from Irvine, CA), Michael Pappas, Rev. Ken Chambers, Dr. Ejaz Naqvi, Elder Sigfried Nauman (from the state of Washington), and Richard Kopf. Courtesy photo.
Troy McCombs (from the state of Washington), Elder Mark Mortensen (from Irvine, CA), Michael Pappas, Rev. Ken Chambers, Dr. Ejaz Naqvi, Elder Sigfried Nauman (from the state of Washington), and Richard Kopf. Courtesy photo.

Special to the Post

Interfaith leaders from the Bay Area participated in a panel discussion at the annual meeting of communication leaders from The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints held on Temple Hill in Oakland on May 31. Distinguished faith leaders Rev. Ken Chambers, executive director the Interfaith Council of Alameda County (ICAC); Michael Pappas, executive director of the San Francisco Interfaith Council; and Dr. Ejaz Naqzi, president of the Contra Costa County Interfaith Council addressed the group on key issues including homelessness, food insecurity, immigration, and meaningful opportunities to care for individuals and communities in need.

Chambers, said he is thankful for the leadership and support of the Church of Jesus Christ Latter-Day Saints’ global ministry, which recently worked with the interfaith congregations of ICAC to help Yasjmine Oeveraas a homeless Norwegian mother and her family find shelter and access to government services.

Oeveraas told the story of how she was assisted by ICAC to the Oakland Post. “I’m a Norwegian citizen who escaped an abusive marriage with nowhere to go. We’ve been homeless in Florida since January 2024. Recently, we came to California for my son’s passport, but my plan to drive for Uber fell through, leaving us homeless again. Through 2-1-1, I was connected to Rev. Ken Chambers, pastor of the West Side Missionary Baptist Church and president of the Interfaith Council of Alameda County, and his car park program, which changed our lives. We spent about a week-and-a-half living in our car before being blessed with a trailer. After four years of uncertainty and 18 months of homelessness, this program has given us stability and hope again.

“Now, both my son and I have the opportunity to continue our education. I’m pursuing cyber analytics, something I couldn’t do while living in the car. My son can also complete his education, which is a huge relief. This program has given us the space to focus and regain our dignity. I am working harder than ever to reach my goals and give back to others in need.”

Richard Kopf, communication director for The Church of Jesus Christ in the Bay Area stated: “As followers of Jesus Christ, we embrace interfaith cooperation and are united in our efforts to show God’s love for all of his children.”

Continue Reading

Activism

Learning Life’s Lessons

Since his release over five years ago, Richard has committed himself to making a difference, particularly by reaching out to women and families who lack the presence of a father or husband.  He knows he cannot undo the years lost behind prison walls, but he is determined to use his past to build a better future for others. His story mirrors that of many who have walked a similar path. Yet, it remains uniquely his own – a testament to the power of change, resilience, and the belief that even from tragedy, something good can emerge.

Published

on

Richard Johnson and son Fati. Courtesy photo.
Richard Johnson and son Fati. Courtesy photo.

“California’s three-strike laws gave me 2 life sentences for drug possession. After serving 28 years, mostly in solitary confinement, I am free to lead a movement to get the formerly incarcerated to give back.”

 By Richard Johnson

I have written this book in hopes of being able to help others from not traveling down the path that leads to imprisonment or a cemetery.  At the very beginning of writing this book, it began as a message to my son Fati Yero Gaidi, who was only two years old at the time that I was given two life sentences in prison for drug possession, under the newly implemented three-strikes-you-out law. The more that I wrote, the book began to evolve beyond its intended purpose for my son; it became something that any and everyone could utilize on their separate journeys through life challenges that we encounter. The book helped me put my thoughts, reasoning, perceptions, and views on display, while opening doors that, for the most part, were closed. The book can be purchased via Amazon. Learning life lessons.

About the Author

By Post staff

Richard “Razor” Johnson, 74, is a man whose life journey is marked by hard-earned wisdom, redemption, and an unshakable commitment to guiding the next generation. Once sentenced to life under California’s Three Strikes Law, he was released through what he calls nothing short of divine intervention.  His time behind bars, particularly in Pelican Bay State Prison, gave him a new raw and unfiltered understanding of life’s hardest truths.

With the realization that time is precious and the future is shaped by the lessons we learn, Richard writes with urgency and purpose. His book—a 300-page labor of love—is dedicated to young men who may not have a father to teach them the meaning of life’s most important words. Through definitions filled with wisdom, experience, and deep personal insight, he offers direction to those who find themselves lost, just as he once was.

Since his release over five years ago, Richard has committed himself to making a difference, particularly by reaching out to women and families who lack the presence of a father or husband.  He knows he cannot undo the years lost behind prison walls, but he is determined to use his past to build a better future for others. His story mirrors that of many who have walked a similar path. Yet, it remains uniquely his own – a testament to the power of change, resilience, and the belief that even from tragedy, something good can emerge.

His words are not just lessons; they are a call to action.  He hopes that by investing in young minds with wisdom and insight, they will be better equipped to navigate life’s trials, learn from their mistakes, and find their path to success. Richard “Razor” Johnson writes not just to be heard, but to help – because he knows firsthand that sometimes guidance can make all the difference.

Post publishers Paul and Gay Cobb visited Johnson in San Quentin and attended his graduation while he was in prison. He became a columnist with the Post News Group and has continued his advocacy for the formerly incarcerated by urging them to “give something back”. Johnson says he will be speaking at prisons, colleges, and media outlets to help organize voter registration and community service projects.

Continue Reading

Subscribe to receive news and updates from the Oakland Post

* indicates required

CHECK OUT THE LATEST ISSUE OF THE OAKLAND POST

ADVERTISEMENT

WORK FROM HOME

Home-based business with potential monthly income of $10K+ per month. A proven training system and website provided to maximize business effectiveness. Perfect job to earn side and primary income. Contact Lynne for more details: Lynne4npusa@gmail.com 800-334-0540

Facebook

Shutterstock
Antonio‌ ‌Ray‌ ‌Harvey‌2 hours ago

Air Quality Board Rejects Two Rules Written to Ban Gas Water Heaters and Furnaces

Uncategorized2 hours ago

Oakland Housing and Community Development Department Awards $80.5 Million to Affordable Housing Developments

#NNPA BlackPress2 hours ago

Tiguan’s AI Touchscreen & Gear Shift: VW Just Changed the Game! #2

Sly and the Family Stone play the Opera House in Bournemouth. Mojo review. Photo by Simon Fernandez.
#NNPA BlackPress3 hours ago

IN MEMORIAM: Legendary Funk Pioneer Sly Stone Dies at 82

U.S. Rep. Lateefah Simon (D-CA-12). File photo.
Activism3 hours ago

Congress Says Yes to Rep. Simon’s Disability Hiring and Small Biz Support Bill

Dr. Head and Zakiya Jendayi, Their 28 year old friendship was ignored by Probate Court Judge Bean who ruled in favor of Dr. Head's estranged sister's. One sister could not identify Head, in a picture shown while under oath.
Activism3 hours ago

The Case Against Probate: False Ruling Invalidates Black Professor’s Estate Plan, Ignoring 28-Year Relationship

#NNPA BlackPress4 hours ago

PRESS ROOM: Clyburn on 10th Anniversary of Mother Emanuel AME Church Shooting in Charleston

#NNPA BlackPress6 hours ago

Black Press, Shoppers Turn Up Heat on Target

#NNPA BlackPress6 hours ago

PRESS ROOM: Local Students Attend PGA WORKS Beyond the Green at 71st KPMG Women’s PGA Championship

#NNPA BlackPress7 hours ago

Israel and Iran! Will There be U.S. Involvement?

#NNPA BlackPress8 hours ago

For the First Time in its 116 Year History, the NAACP Won’t invite the Sitting President to Their Annual Convention

#NNPA BlackPress1 day ago

PRESS ROOM: Juneteenth 2025: Chavis Urges America to Confront the Enduring Legacy of the Transatlantic Slave Trade

#NNPA BlackPress1 day ago

Crypto, Golf, and Now Phones: Trump Cashes in on the White House

#NNPA BlackPress1 day ago

Trump Parade and Dictator Fantasies Spark U.S. Protests, Leaked Recordings Add Fire

#NNPA BlackPress1 day ago

Head Start Alum Says Parents of Young Children Should Ask for Help

Trending

Copyright ©2021 Post News Group, Inc. All Rights Reserved.