Studing the Black Victorian of the 1800's-1900's.

I have always had a passion for the Victorian fashions and was curious about what the African American wore during the Victorian era.  The Victorian era was from 1837 to 1901.  Though much research it seems that the African American woman began to wear the Victorian fashions after the Civil War. 

The America Civil War was from 1861-1865. Many free blacks in the North were wearing the fashions long before that..
 Now, just remember, prior to the American Civil War, women were gaining a sense of self that extended beyond their households. While the country was divided over racial issues, women across the country were also fighting for their rights, regardless of the color of their skin.
 African-American women and European American women alike faced different hurdles, but were brought together under the common cause of freedom. In order to succeed they joined together on topics of  education, employment, and civil rights for all women.
At this time the Black women were educated on the fashions of the times. There were schools for black young ladies to learn the decorum of the day, They were taught how to dress in the latest Victorian fashion and how to present themselves in public. Learning the proper social graces would help then in gaining better position in life for them and their family.

Young Black Victorians in late 19th Century America were optimistic, and hungry for culture and education. Manners ruled the day (and manners ruled with an iron fist). It was an era where ladies were ladies, men were gentlemen and corsets were worn tight.


During Google search of  the Black Victoriana, I came across some of the most beautiful photographs of the African descent wearing Victorian fashions,  I was so impressed that these  photographs were taken and still in existence for our heritage to value and hold on to..

 http://vintageblackfolk.wordpress.com/19th-century-portraits/

 http://www.ipernity.com/doc/285591/album/397459


One of the first of these photographs that I came across was taken of the beautiful and talented Sissieretta Jones.  I was inspired by how well dressed she was for the times.  These photographs are very important because they document an aspect of black history that is generally never spoken of.

Matilda Sissieretta Joyner Jones, known as Sissieretta Jones, (January 5, 1868 or 1869 – June 24,1933) was an African-American soprano. She sometimes was called "The Black Patti" in reference to Italian opera singer Adelina Patti. Jones' repertoire included grand opera, light opera, and popular music.

Elizabeth Jennings Graham photo source: Kansas Historical Foundation, photo circa 1854-1860

(1830-1901) Elizabeth Jennings was a New York City schoolteacher whose 1854 defiance of a streetcar conductor’s order to leave his car helped desegregate public transit in New York City. With the help of her prominent father, the wealthy businessman Thomas L. Jennings, she filed and won a lawsuit against the streetcar company. Thomas L. Jennings, the first African-American to win a patent, owned a large clothing store and co-founded the famous Abyssinian Baptist Church.



At this point, I should bring to your attention of the many
 Black Women and Business Leaders of the 1800s And 1900s.

 Harriet E. Wilson, first African-American female novelist

 http://debatesthatmatter.blogspot.com/2013/02/the-top-black-business-leaders-of-1800s.html

My research is on going. There is so much to learn. I will be adding more to this post as I find it. Also please feel free to comment and give inspiration to this post.