The afro is a legendary hair style, the pinnacle of natural black hair that has graced the craniums of entertainers, athletes, historical and political figures alike.
Girth, texture, and color may vary in the world of afro’s, but our love for the people that rock them is unwavering. In no particular order, here is a list of afro-liscious icons of today and yesterday.
Warning: the following photographs may just inspire you to rock your very own 'fro!
Ahmir "Questlove" Thompson
"My last haircut was on June 2, 1989." -Ahmir "Questlove" Thompson
Angela Davis
Davis' afro is so widely known in pop culture that her particular style has it's own sub category within the hair style; the 'Angela Davis Afro'.
Davis is usually too busy talking about something important to comment on her hair. Other people do that for her.
Jackson 5
The beloved boy band was well-known for their 'dos bobbing up and down during their dance move. Years later in 1984, during a Pepsi commercial shoot, Michael Jackson's hair caught on fire, but by then he had ditched the afro for a jheri curl.
Pam Grier
“You go to sleep looking gorgeous, and you wake up and it’s all flattened on one side like a brick wall. No amount of picking is going to pull it out. You need to take a garden rake to that shit.” -Pam Grier
Jimi Hendrix
Even before Andre 3000 of Outkast took the role of playing Hendrix, he sported his own afro:
Diana Ross
The Motown diva's style has such widespread inspirational power, you can find Diana Ross hair how-to videos on YouTube.
Erykah Badu
"My hair is an aesthetic choice... At the same time, how you wear your hair is a political statement as well." -Erykah Badu
Julius "Dr. J" Erving
Like his legendary skills on the court, Erving's hair remains in the minds and hearts of his adoring fans. LeBron James rocked an afro in honor of "Dr. J", who he says is one of his all-time favorite players.
Solange Knowles
“I think many people, especially from other cultures, just don't understand the role hair plays in black women's lives. I can now transform the energy surrounding my hair into something way more productive." -Solange Knowles
Sly Stone
He may be known for his 'fro, but Sly Stone has had so many colors and textures in his head over the years that he even gives Nicki Minaj a run for her money:
Frederick Douglass
The legendary abolitionist apparently has his own claim to the iconic hairdo. Urban Dictionary insists upon the existence of a subculture of afros entitled "The Frederick Douglass." Apparently, it's all about the placement of the part.
Our 2024 Coverage Needs You
Already contributed? Log in to hide these messages.