By: Deborah Harris

This is Part 1 in a 3-part series on how language continues to shape our culture.

There are many sacred things in our culture, recognizing the value we place on our distinct method of communications, I take on the topic of “language” with a sense of humility and reverence. The points of view I share with you are not all-inclusive, just as language is fluid and ever-changing, they are select perspectives on the continuum of our cultural timeline.

The manner in which we relate to each other within the African American culture, as is true of many other cultures and communities, is very complex. We need only have a conversation with a family member or close friend, listen to our favorite artist, or pause for more than 10 seconds on social media, to experience the diverse layers of language within our community. Yet, our style of communications “our language” goes much deeper and represents more than what we display within a few select platforms.

To further explore the topic of language, viewing it as one of the basic building blocks of a culture, I will reference noteworthy authors and engage in a series of conversations with several women of color. The referenced authors and these powerful, beautiful women definitely have a lot to say and their views demonstrate the rich and multidimensional aspects of our culture.

My initial conversation is with Gwynn Geohaghan Johnson, Owner and Master Stylist, GoBy Geohaghan, LLC. Gwynn shares her personal and professional perspectives on fashion and hairstyle trends in the African American Community.

Deborah: Gwynn, fashion can be very trendy or unique to an individual’s sense of style. In our community, fashion and style can relay a point of view that takes us back to our origins or further confirm our assimilation into western culture. In the book How to Slay: Inspiration from the Queens and Kings of Black Style, author and former Editor-in-Chief of Essence Magazine, Constance C.R. White, writes about African American style and influencers like Josephine Baker, Maya Angelou, Rihanna, and Pharrell Williams. White also discusses how style can make political statements. It reminds me of how the black “hoodie” came to represent Travon Martin and Justice for our black youth. Today’s stylists take their cues from a variety of sources and continue to push the fashion envelope and conversation forward.

Deborah: As a stylist and entrepreneur you are breaking the mold and making some very bold fashion statements through your company GoBy Geohaghan. From whom do you derive your inspiration?

Gwynn: My inspiration comes from a few people and places. First is the lovely Janelle Monae. I am fascinated with her style but particularly her braided hairstyles. I believe braids send a powerful message and are truly representative of our strength. It takes a bold woman to pull off this look successfully. Women of color have used braids as a fashion “go-to” for years. This hairstyle is convenient and very representative of our rich culture and history. I also get inspiration from the Runway. From New York and Paris to Milan, I am always overjoyed and excited to see the new looks that are coming on to the scene. A regular attendee at New York Fashion week, I am inspired by every woman that walks down the catwalk. Seeing how patterns are mixed, how designers use texture to create looks really ignites my passion and encourages me to even try the new looks on myself. Fueling my inspiration, the runway is unapologetically fashionable.

Deborah: Has social media influenced/impacted your approach to style and fashion?

Gwynn: Yes, social media has definitely impacted the way I style my clients’ hair and my personal fashion style. As a visual person, social media platforms like Instagram are extremely useful for me. The “How To” videos on this platform provide a window for me to view how people put looks together. I often use social media to get refreshers on hair techniques or just to preview new color combinations with an outfit that I may want to try. It is my visual look book.

Deborah: What do you believe are some of the most transformative African American hair trends in the 21st century?

Gwynn: Natural hair would be one of the top trends in the 21 Century. The natural hair movement has made such a big mark in today’s African American community. Women and men are embracing their natural hair textures and curl patterns like times in the past. Tons of hair product companies have kept up with this comeback and have diversified hair products providing something for literally every hair texture. The natural hair community even has its own hair show that’s strictly for natural hair care, products, and tools. I love and support this re-emerging trend. I believe it’s here to stay, as many of today’s women of color comfortably allow their hair to flow in its natural state. This style choice is reflective of unabashed pride in presenting ourselves in our natural unchanged beauty.

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As we continue on our journey and look more closely at the language of the African American community, I will be sharing thoughts from several more Women of Color. We will look at photography and the importance of capturing images that tell our story, and also reflect on how our educational experiences impact our personal and professional language choices.

A new author in the area of children’s literature, Deborah Delois Harris published Amaris Great Adventures: The Magical Playground in October of 2018. Focusing on increasing the number of books featuring African Americans as the main characters, Deborah plans to write books that are fun for children and their parents, and culturally representative of African Americans and their diverse backgrounds.

The Language of African American Culture: Fashion

By: Deborah Harris