Cheyney McKnight, founder of Not Your Momma’s History, is redefining how we engage with African American history by blending 18th- and 19th-century design with modern cultural narratives.
As a historical interpreter, artist, and educator, McKnight uses fashion as a tool to illuminate the lives and resilience of Black Americans, particularly those whose stories have been marginalized in traditional historical accounts.
McKnight’s garments are more than period reproductions, they are acts of resistance and reclamation. She designs clothing that fuses historical silhouettes with contemporary African textiles, such as wax prints, denim, and Lycra, creating what she calls a form of Afrofuturism. This approach not only honors the past but also envisions a future where Black identity is celebrated and empowered. “If my ancestors could dress however they wanted to, I imagine this is how they wanted to dress,” McKnight reflects.
Her work extends beyond fashion into performance art and public education. Through initiatives like the “Let’s Talk About Slavery” table, McKnight engages communities in candid conversations about the history and legacy of slavery in America. She has brought this interactive experience to over 30 parks and historical sites across the country, providing a platform for dialogue and learning.
In 2021, McKnight was named an African American Cultural Heritage Action Fund Fellow by the National Trust for Historic Preservation. Her project, The Ancestor’s Future: An Afrofuturist Journey Through History, combines performance art with historical interpretation to explore the future of historic preservation on former sites of enslavement. The exhibition features clothing designs, photographs, and live performances that delve into themes of community, health, and adaptation, offering a nuanced perspective on Black America’s past and future.
McKnight’s innovative approach challenges audiences to reconsider how history is presented and who gets to tell it. By intertwining fashion, art, and education, she not only brings visibility to the experiences of enslaved and free Black Americans but also inspires a reimagining of cultural heritage that is inclusive and forward-thinking.
Through her multifaceted work, Cheyney McKnight is not just preserving history, she is actively shaping its narrative, ensuring that the stories of Black Americans are told with authenticity, dignity, and creativity.
