Beauty is not just skin deep; it’s a powerful expression of identity and resilience. In a heartwarming exploration, Dr. Brittney Miles from the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign delves into the profound connection between Black women’s beauty, their experiences, and their activism, revealing how these elements intertwine to create a stunning narrative of empowerment.

In a groundbreaking study, Dr. Brittney Miles interviewed 39 diverse Black women, each sharing their unique relationship with beauty and fashion. From various backgrounds and experiences, these women unite in their reflections on a world that often seeks to overlook their presence.

When discussing “Black beauty,” participants frequently emphasized the importance of visibility. As Dr. Miles noted, beauty for these women isn’t just about aesthetics; it’s about making powerful statements in spaces that may otherwise try to erase them.

Central to their narratives is the intertwined nature of their fashion choices and political histories. Black women have long utilized beauty as an act of resistance—what Dr. Miles terms “embodied resistance.” This concept traces back to the late 1700s, when free Black women creatively adorned themselves to defy restrictive laws on their appearance, ultimately expressing their wealth, creativity, and status.

Dr. Miles’ study, featured in Critical Studies in Fashion and Beauty, goes beyond mere interviews. It employs a method called photo elicitation, encouraging participants to share images that symbolize their beauty and identity. Many chose photos from protests or gatherings, proudly showcasing their solidarity and activism.

One striking image included a woman raising her fist in the iconic “Black power” salute, wearing a shirt boldly stating: “Hope I don’t get killed for being Black today.” Another woman wore a shirt referencing the Black national anthem, emphasizing a powerful legacy of activism.

These visuals serve as poignant reminders of a culture steeped in resilience. Dr. Miles noted that many women described how elements like big hair, vibrant colors, and traditional garments help them take up space and affirm their identities not just for themselves, but in honor of their ancestors.

Encouraged by the insights gained from previous research with high school girls, Dr. Miles sought to understand how perceptions of beauty are shaped through experiences of body policing. Participants shared stories about how expectations from family, peers, and the workplace often made them feel they had to alter their appearance to be accepted.

Many women expressed a desire to reclaim their identities through their style, proving that beauty can be a powerful form of self-expression—a theme resonant throughout their narratives.

Influenced by iconic figures like Angela Davis and contemporary voices in feminism, these women are redefining beauty. They are constructing relationships with beauty that challenge traditional norms, advocating that beauty can take many forms far beyond societal standards.

Ultimately, Dr. Miles’ research casts a light on a broader dialogue about how we view beauty in the context of cultural identity and activism. It underscores our collective struggle to embrace our unique beauty amid a world that often demands conformity.

As Dr. Miles concludes, this journey is reflective of a universal pursuit—finding beauty within ourselves despite external pressures. It’s a conversation that resonates deeply, reminding us all of the power of self-acceptance and celebration of diversity.