Some may think that the movie Black Panther and “Black Friday” are at the top of the list of contributions from the African American Community. However, Black History Month allows us all to celebrate and be educated on the strides made by pioneers in all walks of like; from Civil Rights, and science to, sports and entertainment, Black people have done it all and continue to do it with excellence, style and grace. Style is no different. Whether standalone accomplishments in style or stylish people accomplishing greatness across the board, style has been woven into the DNA 🧬 of those that we’ve come to learn about and love. Check out the style of these gents and how they redesigned the game in their area of excellence!
Dan “Dapper Dan” Day
Skill—Haberdashery, Atelier, Designer Textile printing
Era—1982—Present
Most known for pioneering the use of high-end luxury brands within the hip-hop and hustler community. “Dapper Dan” was self taught in the game of fashion and had a desire to share his gift with the world. His obstacle ultimately became his blessing, when high-end brands refused to work with him, he figured out a way to create his own design ideas. He essentially created a screen-printing process for leather, which allowed him to create textile “knock-ups” of luxury brands like Gucci, Louis Vuitton and MCM. Instead of dressing models in Milan, he donned his threads on the Hustlers of Harlem. Through his perseverance and creativity, he branched out into and took over the hip-hop style scene. Today, he has an atelier in Harlem, in where he partners with Gucci for his Dapper Dan one of a kind experience. For the full story, check out his book “Dapper Dan: Made in Harlem”
Style mix/signature look—Hip hop Fabulous, to bespoke Saville Row-Esque bespoke suiting
Famous quote(s)
Lil Man: “Yo, you can do that?”
Dapper Dan: “Hell yeah I can do that,”
Sammy Davis Jr.
Skill—Singer/Entertainer
Era—1960’s
Most known for his association with “The Rat Pack”, where the other members included Frank Sinatra, Dean Martin, Peter Bishop and Joey Lawford. Collectively, they were well known for their performances in Las Vegas and their movies, especially “Oceans 11.” Beyond that he was the whole package, as a dancer, musician, actor, activist and comedian. During his days of performing in Las Vegas with “The Rat Pack”, he was severely discriminated against, often being denied from staying at the grand hotels in which he performed, and denied a dressing room. In taking a stand against the Jim Crow practices, he declined to perform anywhere that racial segregation was prevalent. He would go on to suffer more discrimination in his personal life with his 2 interracial marriages. Nevertheless, Sammy Davis Jr. persevered and continued to excel at what he loved, which was to entertain.
Style mix/signature look—suit, skinny tie, and tuxedo
Famous quote(s)— “sha-boing boing man”, “You always have two choices: your commitment versus your fear.”, “Being a star has made it possible for me to get insulted in places where the average Negro could never hope to go and get insulted.”
Malcolm X
Skill—Orator, Civil Rights
Era— 1950’s/1960’s
Most known for his human rights activism, Malcolm X, whose actual name is El-Hajj Malik El-Shabazz took a stronger more offense based approach to black activism. While Dr. King was non-violent, Malcolm was “by any means necessary.” He got off to a rocky start, leading a life of crime, but while in jail he joined the Nation of Islam and dug his heels into advocating for black supremacy and empowerment. His methods did indeed empower the black population but not without catching the negative attention of law enforcement at the highest levels. Until his death, he fought to impart self-pride and self-love of black people even if it was at the expense of separating from the white population.
Style mix/signature look— Browline eyeglasses, suit and dark tie
Famous quote(s)— “By any means necessary!”
President Barack Obama
Skill—Politics, Community Organizing, Everything
Era— 2008-2016
Most known for leading the country out of one of the worst recessions in history, free healthcare. Starting off as lawyer, Obama engaged heavily in community organizing. This would later help him in his political sights to become a senator and president. President Obama is one of the most prolific and the ONLY black person to ever serve as POTUS and the ONLY POTUS to have a scandal free tenure. Other than the obvious policies that most know about, Obama formed the White House Council on Women and Gils which mandated that he be advised of issues relating to the welfare of American women and girls. People will most likely remember him for his style, grace political IQ and taking down Bin Laden!
Style mix/signature look— everyone remembers the famous/infamous tan suit that President Obama wore during Easter. In his true nature to pave his own way, his tan suit move was a movement all on its own as presidents of the past typically worked dark colored/navy suits. He had zero cares in the world, which is exactly how you should be when making a statement!
Famous quote(s)— “Yes We Can”, “Obama out” *Chucks the deuces ✌🏾 and drops the mic*
Shaun “Jay-Z” Carter
Skill— Rapper, Entrepreneur, Sports and Entertainment Mogul
Era—1990s to present
Most known for initially know for his lyrical sorcery, Jay-Z has become so much more than a rapper. While he continues to drop multiple platinum albums, he’s also ventured into and mastered, professional sports team ownership, fashion (Rocawear, S. Carter), philanthropy, and most currently his Sports Agency and Entertainment empire, Roc Nation. "Jigga man" is the first billionaire in entertainment.
Style mix/signature look— from blue Yankee fitted, jerseys and Evian jeans to tailored suits and the lion mane 🦁
Famous quote(s)— “I’m not a businessman, I’m a Business, man!
In life, you can choose to follow trends or set your own. These men did the latter. They are trailblazers that have grinded it out to get where they are and have created their own lane, even when there was no clear path. Most of all, they created a way for others to come after them. Several others sacrificed their wellbeing so that generations beyond themselves can prosper. It just so happens that these gents were also dressed to impressed to do it. Remember the sacrifice. Remember the struggle. Remember the triumph. And ALWAYS remember to…
Stay SUITABULL guys.