Projo 7 to 7 News Blog

By Donita Naylor
Journal Staff Writer

Let's talk about Aretha Franklin's hat, the one with the big gray bow that she wore while singing at Barack Obama's inauguration Tuesday.

"The type of hat that Aretha had on is what we call a church hat," said Gertrude F. Jones, who works in Providence at the Coro building as director of diversity for Lifespan.

In African-American churches, she said, "it's a convergence of faith and fashion. It keeps the Sabbath holy and it's also glamorous.

"If you look in the congregation, especially in the South, that is the thing to do," said Jones, who also serves as second vice president of the Rhode Island chapter of the charitable group the National Coalition of 100 Black Women, a name that is symbolic rather than a numerical reflection of membership.

"You have to have a fabulous hat, either with feathers, tuille, ribbons, something Afro-centric. The bigger and more design, the better."

When Aretha sang at the inauguration, she had on a gray hat, gray gloves and a gray outfit, Jones noted. "I didn't see her shoes, but I will bet you she had on gray shoes."

Jones said she and her three sisters were brought up to know that the hat, pocketbook and shoes all had to match. "We call it topping off the outfit. If you had beautiful suit, shoes and bag, the outfit wasn't finished without the hat."

The tradition is rooted in slavery and Christianity. "When slaves would go to church, they would take a little cloth, or a doily," she said. "We don't want to go to God thinking we're so bold as to be uncovered. Then it just kind of progressed, to bigger hats, matching hats. Now of course, it's this huge fashion statement."

Jones that after her mother died, "We were cleaning out everything and when we went to her storage bin, we found boxes and boxes and boxes of hats."

Three sisters (one wasn't interested) divided them up. "I have around 25 or 30 hats, I mean fabulous hats." She wore one to her coalition's annual Sister Hat Tea. "I think I came in number 2" with her favorite, which she described as the color of a copper penny with beautiful thin white feathers in front.

"Black women actually keep the hat industry going," Jones said, but you have to know where to look.

"They're hard to find. Every now and then TJ Maxx has a collection on sale. I've also seen some at Burlington Coat Factory. Most of them you have to order online."

She said specialty stores in the South carry them, with the matching outfits and accessories. When she travels and sees a fabulous hat, she buys it.

"I'm so proud to keep our tradition going."

Photo: MCT

 Tags  culture inauguration Jones

Comments

Elizabeth said:

Wonderful article of great interest to many! It's nice to have a local angle (the commenter), too. I loved Aretha's hat. Her performance: Not so much, alas.

Link | January 21, 2009 3:26 PM
Report Abuse

---

d said:

There's a director of diversity for Lifespan? Rhode Island’s terminally ill healthcare delivery system doesn't need a fashion consultant. Besides, a giant, flamboyant "look at me!" accessory doesn't complement Christianity and has no place in church.

Link | January 21, 2009 3:33 PM
Report Abuse

---

natasha kerwin said:

I love Aretha Franklin's hat - she wore it well!

Link | January 21, 2009 6:18 PM
Report Abuse

---

JD said:

So what started as a way to show respect in church by not bearing your head to God has escalated into a fashion show. But notwithstanding their riches, or their strength, or their prosperity, they were not lifted up in the pride of their eyes; neither were they aslow to remember the Lord their God; but they did humble themselves exceedingly before him. Jesus calls us to a real trust in God and to humble service in his church and world. The temptation is ever before us to exalt ourselves - to impress others, to make a name for ourselves. That was not how Jesus came, nor was it why he came.

Link | January 21, 2009 7:31 PM
Report Abuse

---

Ms. Hall said:

Thank you for this article. It is so true that black American cultural guidelines call for a special hat for a special occasion. I thought Aretha's hat was appropriate. The bow and rhinestones symbolized the celebration that was happening. But the demure color of her ensemble showed that Aretha didn't want to upstage the President or take away from the tradition of the ceremony. My grandmother wore such a hat to my university graduation (pink with silk rose and rhinestones.) I loved that President Obama's inauguration displayed ALL of the best of American culture.

Link | January 21, 2009 9:36 PM
Report Abuse

---

breeze said:

All of life is a fashion show. God made us beautiful and wants us to shine our little lights all over His creation. Aretha looked fabulous and respectful of the historical event. She was there to honor the occasion. Hopefully we will see many facets of African-American culture on display over the next 4-8 years. Enjoy it and try to understand it. Everybody say AMEN.

Link | January 23, 2009 12:19 AM
Report Abuse

---

Blaine said:

When I arrive for my reckoning at the Pearly Gates, I'm fairly certain that I will not be cross-examined about my choice of hats in church.
The arbiters of religious taste would be better served opening their doors than closing them, particularly on a point so petty as the style of a hat.
Let he who is without a fashion faux pas cast the first rhinestone.

Link | January 23, 2009 5:46 AM
Report Abuse

---

Leave a comment

Please be civil. Vicious comments, personal attacks and profanity won't be published. Name and email are required; email address will not publish.

Name:

Email:

URL:  

Remember personal info?

Captcha:

Type the characters you see in the picture above.