Her Crowing Glory: African American women and their hats.

Free Program June 19th at 6:00 p.m.

Mebane Historical Museum

209 W. Jackson St.

919.563-5054 for more information

With emancipation came many new outlooks for black women, and looking their best when worshiping became a big part of that perspective. Hats were considered a way to honor God. As a fashion deeply rooted in African tradition, they became an article with both spiritual and cultural significance.

Fancy headwear, customarily, was considered a woman’s “crown” and it symbolized triumph over hardship. From the very simple to the big and bold, women worshipping in hats is a tradition that’s been passed down through generations. They bring dignity to those who wear them, and they make an important statement about what it means to be a black church-going woman in America.

These hats go from the unusual to the outrageous and women who wear them never own just one or two. Widely considered wear-able art that represents a meaningful part of the African American woman’s culture, they tell a story and act as an expression of faith. While enslaved, black women used headdresses to distinguish themselves. Today it’s not uncommon to see hats designed with West African features including beads and other flourishes. Post-emancipation a black middle class began to emerge and with it came the hat that represented God’s blessings in the woman’s life. After a week of hard work and toil, black women would shine with a celebratory air come Sunday morning because of their hats.

At this program on June 19, 2023, we can see dozens of such hats worn by Mebanite Mary Corbett. Before her passing in June 2020, she was both known and admired for her tremendous hat collection and rarely missed an opportunity to wear one. Consider the power they imply, the faith they praise, and the statement they make, and you will immediately recognize their importance.