Afrocentric Style: A Celebration of Blackness & Identity in Pop Culture
by Shirley Neal

AfroCentric Style: A Celebration of Blackness & Identity in Pop Culture is a collectible gift book brimming with more than one hundred attention-grabbing photos that highlight the Black influence in some of the most viral moments, movements, missteps, and memes that have shaped and defined mainstream pop culture. It serves as a conduit to celebrate the richness of Black expression and provide a deeper understanding and appreciation of Black history.

From Beyonce and Rihanna to Black cowboys and Black Lives Matter, author Shirley Neal breaks down the cultural conversation into three categories: FASHION, HAIR, and BEAUTY.

PART ONE: FASHION

This section begins with “Fashion Statements,” a chapter that examines how fashion serves as a vehicle for protest, social change, and social justice—from hoodies on the House floor to protest-inspired red-carpet regalia. Chapter Two highlights one designer who blends art and activism in his fashion presentations, reshaping how we think about race in America while educating the world about Black contributions to American society. “Hip to High Fashion” traces the origins and popularity of street styles that high-end luxury brands once rejected—styles championed by hip hop artists and rappers—yet now celebrate, even partnering with these cultural icons. Lastly, Patterns of Pride: African Style explores the tradition, meanings, and hidden messages behind African fabrics often unnoticed by casual fashionistas who wear them at graduations, church events, and Black history celebrations.

PART TWO: BLACK HAIR

Black hair, long considered a crowning glory in pop culture, takes center stage. The author examines how hairstyles like afros, locs, and twists have sparked conversations and controversies for years—from Angela Davis’s fro symbolizing militancy in the sixties to Colin Kaepernick’s evolving styles, from braids to curls to afro, which garnered as much attention as his “taking a knee” protest. This section untangles the myths, styles, and iconic moments tied to Black hair while exploring its connection to Black identity and its roots in natural hair culture, tracing back to the Motherland.

PART THREE: BLACK BEAUTY

This section focuses on the inspiring evolution of Black beauty queens and cover girls, while also spotlighting the many songs, videos, films, memes, and movements that encourage African Americans to embrace the shades and shapes of Blackness. These cultural moments have been both celebrated and appropriated by other cultures. Additionally, the author sheds light on the impact of messages about skin color on self-esteem, a theme that has permeated movies, TV, literature, and music for decades.

AfroCentric Style is a vibrant exploration of Black influence in pop culture, offering readers a deeper understanding of Black history, identity, and culture through stunning visuals and insightful commentary.