Democrats Criticized For Wearing Kente Cloth As 'Publicity Stunt'
By John and Ken Staff
June 9, 2020
Photo: Getty Images
U.S. Democrats are being criticized for for using Ghana's Kente cloth as a "political prop" while wearing stoles made from the African textile during a moment of silence for George Floyd.
The African American Intellectual History Society says the colors of Kente cloth, which was produced as early as 1,000 BC, hold special meaning on status, spiritual and ancestral awareness.
House and Senate Democrats unveil their expansive police reform bill wearing Kente cloth handed out by the Congressional Black Caucus pic.twitter.com/vs7eG562YR
— Leigh Ann Caldwell (@LACaldwellDC) June 8, 2020
Hollywood screenwriter Eric Haywood criticized Democrats, tweeting "What if they, like, just passed some laws instead of dressing up like a Wakandan chess set?"
Chairwoman for the Congressional Black Caucus, Rep. Karen Bass, said that the white lawmakers were wearing the Kente cloth as a symbol of solidarity. Social media didn't seem to agree...
Democrats in the House and Senate decided to wear African patterned cloth and take a knee for 8 minutes and 46 seconds in honor of George Floyd.
— Frederick Joseph (@FredTJoseph) June 8, 2020
This is a mess. pic.twitter.com/CerdH2Zuqq
I had to say something about the American politicians shameless and ignorantly using the Kente fabric as a prop in their virtue signaling.
— Obianuju Ekeocha (@obianuju) June 8, 2020
*I’m usually more mild mannered than this so please forgive me, I’m upset. pic.twitter.com/aZMjgsHujS
Does wearing kente cloth and taking a knee mean you are all of a sudden "down with the struggle"? This is why people hate disingenuous politicians. Speaker Pelosi was there for the 94 crime bill. She is part of the problem. #VA10 https://t.co/uLbdwOgOoS
— Jeffery A Dove Jr. (@JefferyADoveJr) June 9, 2020
Read the full report on BBC News.