Cheyney McKnight, a dedicated historian and historical interpreter, is reshaping the narrative of Black history in North America with her platform, Not Your Momma’s History, and her new series, These Roots.
Through meticulous research and immersive storytelling, McKnight sheds light on Black individuals’ lives, culture, and distinct fashion styles in the 18th and 19th centuries, countering long-held misconceptions.
McKnight’s passion for historical accuracy began when she questioned prevailing narratives about Black women’s fashion history.
“Everyone told me, ‘Black women wore what white women were wearing, but the poor version of it,’ and from the jump, I was like, ‘That doesn’t make sense at all,'” McKnight told writer and YouTuber, Bernadette Banner.
Her research, drawing from paintings, photographs, WPA narratives, and firsthand accounts, revealed that Black women’s fashion retained strong West African influences, distinguishing it from mainstream styles of the time.
Through These Roots, McKnight explores the daily lives of Black individuals from various social and economic backgrounds, including those who were enslaved, free, wealthy, or working class. The series has already released three episodes, with plans for more, giving audiences a nuanced look at Black history beyond the often oversimplified narratives presented in mainstream media.
A key focus of McKnight’s work is the significance of head wraps, which served as cultural identifiers for Black women across the North and South.
“An enslaver’s wife once described the head wraps of Black women as so big and brightly colored they could put one’s eye out from a mile away,” McKnight recounted, stressing the enduring presence of West African aesthetics in Black fashion.
Beyond fashion, McKnight’s work seeks to reclaim lost knowledge about Black hairstyling traditions.
She is bringing back historical techniques used to stretch and style natural hair without heat, a practice that had largely faded by the early 20th century.
“There’s a whole generation of knowledge that we lost,” she explained, vowing to educate audiences through upcoming content on 19th-century Black hairstyling.
McKnight’s Afro-Victorian and Afro-Futurist approach to historical interpretation has garnered widespread recognition. Her collaboration with fellow historians and digital creators has amplified her reach, ensuring that Black history is presented with depth, accuracy, and cultural pride.
With These Roots and Not Your Momma’s History, McKnight continues to challenge misconceptions, celebrate Black resilience, and honor the intricate legacies of Black fashion and culture. Her work serves as a testament to the rich and enduring contributions of Black individuals throughout history.
