A Celebration of the “Hat Ladies”.

My inspiration for doing this portrait project came about one Sunday afternoon, when I observed a black family, dressed up, walking into the Bartow Publix store. The dynamics of how this family interacted with the grandmother was mesmerizing.  I could tell the family had a "special" respect for this "Hat Lady."  She was wearing a beautiful pink hat with colorful flowers on top..  I could not help but look.  The children, a girl and a boy, in their "sunday best" were at their "best behavior".  It is almost like the hat grandmother was wearing commanded some kind of respect from the children.

I rushed to the car to get my camera phone in hopes they would let me take their picture to use for creating a painting. I was too late.  When I got back, the family was gone.

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My search for more information about black, African American Women and their hats led me to Charles Lester, curator of the Luster All African Heritage Museum in Bartow. He provided resources which explained how this Black culture norm of "Hat Ladies" began and how important it still is today. Historians have documented the important role black women have played and how they impacted our communities.  These women have led important causes and raised new generations of successful, confident, educated men and women. They have impacted us all for good. I am grateful.

Let us all celebrate the "Hat Ladies"!

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