The special day has gathered much buzz on social media, where countless Black men, women, and children were shown in photos donning dashikis of varying sizes and colors.

Celebrated this past weekend (Oct. 30th), Dashiki Day was a well-received event that seems to have legitimate staying power. Not only has the day become a movement, the movement has become a business. Although dashikis have been sold in stores seemingly forever, websites such as dashikipride.com are rightfully and respectfully monetizing on Dashiki Day, connecting with a younger customer base and ensuring that this particular segment of African/Black culture doesn’t get hijacked by “culture vultures” who have swooped in to devour much of Black Society’s other cultural contributions.

Co-founded by Lilian and Chinyere Ugokwe, Dashiki Pride’s website offers a wide variety of dashikis at very affordable prices. Although Dashiki Day has been perceived by detractors as a day for Melanoid people to indulge in yet another symbolic gesture, it actually represents something bigger. It validates the recent re-awakening of Black Society. In this case, Black people have awakened to embrace and celebrate their culture, and look good while doing so.

B. Clark