ST. LOUIS – Black History Month recognizes and honors the history of contributions and achievements African Americans have made.
St. Louis started this month with numerous celebrations.
City officials gathered outside city hall to raise the Pan-African flag for the fifth year. St. Louis and Toronto are the only two cities in North America that fly the flag.
The Missouri History Museum began its month-long series of celebrations by showcasing Black fashion.
“Fashion is more than culture. It shows us and it’s a reflection of our struggles and our triumphs of liberation and of all the things that make Black people Black people,” African-American History Programming Specialist for Missouri History Museum Shuron Jones said.
A panel of contemporary Black fashion designers talked about the history of Black fashion in St. Louis. The founder of the African Arts Festival had shared a message for the youth.
“Now some of their esteem is up there, but so many of them, of young people, have low self-esteem. If they really knew their history and their culture, they would have a better esteem for themselves,” Cynthia Cosby, founder of the St. Louis African Arts Festival, said.
Recognizing African-American fashion is essential as it acknowledges the significant influence Black designers, stylists, and cultural innovators have had on the fashion industry. Attendees are proud of their heritage.
“Black people did wonderful things throughout the world every day of the year. Celebrating it in February is phenomenal,” attendee Lydia Huston said.
African-American fashion is just one of the many contributions they have made in history. Black history celebrations will be taking place all month long throughout St. Louis.
For more information on events, visit the following websites below:
