Creativity as Dissidence & Resistance

• In Event: Feminist Theories of Embodiment and Adornment

Abstract

This paper examines the historical, generational, and gendered determinations of the Nation of
Gods and Earths’ women’s dress code. It explores how the adornment principles of female
adherents thoughtfully reflect aspects of traditional West African and Islamic attire, and
contemporary black cultural nationalist (Afrocentric), Rastafarian, and hip-hop raiment, as well as
“folkloric looks” from the world over. It attempts to understand the historical and contemporary
synergy between Black urban popular culture, Islamic styling, Black women’s historical
relationship with head covering for sacred and secular purposes, personal empowerment, and
relationships and gender roles.

Presenter

• Siobhan Carter-David, Southern Connecticut State University