The Legacy of Dreadlocks

A Personal Reflection

As I sit down to write this, I’m reminded of the countless conversations, stares, and judgments I’ve encountered because of my hair when I wore locks. It’s funny how something as natural and personal as hair can provoke such strong reactions. But let me tell you something—there was nothing, nothing dreadful about my locks. They’re not just a hairstyle; they were a part of my heritage, my identity, and my silent reminder of the resilience and power of those who came before me.

At Amerukhan Basics Clothing, we celebrate the beauty of cultural expression, and dreadlocks are a prime example of that. They’ve been worn by warriors, rebels, and even gods. Their origins are far more powerful than many realize, and today I want to take you on a journey to explore that history through my lens.

A Journey of Growth and Discovery

When I first decided to grow my locks, I already knew the rich history behind them. That knowledge was part of why I embraced the journey. My locks started as little peppercorns, twists that I started simply by rubbing my hair in a circular motion as it grew out, they soon became tightly coiled and full of promise, just like the beginnings of a spiritual path. At the time, I didn’t know about the Buddha’s peppercorn hairstyle, a reference I would come to appreciate later. But even then, I felt the deep connection and significance of the journey I was embarking on.

Locks aren’t just hair; they’re a process. They grow, evolve, and transform, just like we do. As mine grew, I realized they weren’t just a connection to my ancestors—they were a bridge to something even greater.

Dreadlocks as Spiritual Antennae

In many cultures, dreadlocks are believed to serve as spiritual antennae, enhancing one's connection to the divine and the universe. They are thought to make the wearer more receptive to spiritual messages, creating a link to higher realms. This belief aligns with the concept of the Akashic Records—a metaphysical compendium of all universal events, thoughts, and experiences. The term “Akasha” originates from the Sanskrit word for “ether” or “space,” suggesting an all-encompassing cosmic memory.

By wearing my locks, I feel a deeper spiritual connection, as if each strand tunes me into the wisdom of the ages. They serve as a reminder that we are all connected to a larger, universal story, and they allow me to access the strength and resilience stored in that collective memory.

Dreadlocks Are Sacred

My locks were not just a fashion choice—they were a spiritual connection. Did you know that dreadlocks have been traced back over 3,000 years? Probably many more. They’ve adorned the heads of figures like the Buddha, the Nagas, and many more whose peppercorn hair symbolizes enlightenment, and even Pharaohs in ancient Egypt, who wore locks as a sign of power and divinity. These weren’t just hairstyles; they were sacred symbols, deeply tied to spiritual journeys and cultural identity.

In India, the God Shiva is depicted with dreadlocks. Legend has it that Shiva unleashed the holy river Ganges through his locks, a powerful metaphor for the divine energy locked within. Hindu priests followed his example, calling their hair jata—the “locked hair of the gods.” Similarly, Ethiopian holy men believed their locks connected them to the heavens, a physical link to divine energy. These stories remind me that my locks are more than just hair—they’re my crown, my spiritual armor.

Dreadlocks have held significance in cultures worldwide. In some Native American tribes, such as the Navajo, individuals have worn locks to connect with their cultural heritage and maintain a link to their ancestors. In Africa, groups like the Dogon people are known for wearing dreadlocks, associating them with spiritual connection and identity.

These practices remind me that locks are universal symbols of strength, identity, and pride. They resonate across cultures and histories, uniting us in our shared humanity and spiritual journey.

A Symbol of Resistance

Growing up, I didn’t always know the rich history behind my locks. But as I learned, I discovered how they transformed into a symbol of resistance and defiance during slavery. Enslaved Africans were often forced to shave their heads, an act meant to strip them of their identity and connection to their heritage. Those who resisted allowed their hair to lock naturally, turning their locks into a silent but powerful statement: You may take my freedom, but you cannot take my identity.

That spirit of resistance carried forward through history. From the Rastafarian movement in Jamaica, where locks became a badge of honor, to the civil rights era in the United States, dreadlocks have always stood for more than meets the eye. They are a declaration of self-acceptance, a rejection of conformity, and a celebration of heritage.

Today, when I see someone wearing locks, I see them making the same declaration: I am proud of my heritage, my history, and my identity. Locks are a celebration of freedom, a rejection of conformity and a nod to our rich culture.

 

Walking My Truth

When I look at pictures of me in my locks, I see my story intertwined with those of my ancestors. I see strength, resilience, and a commitment to living my truth. But I also see how misunderstood they still are. People have called my hair "dreadful," ridiculed my style, and dismissed it as unprofessional. That’s not just ignorance—it’s a reflection of a society that still struggles to honor and respect African and Indigenous heritage.

At Amerukhan Basics, we believe in reclaiming that narrative. Our mission has always been to uplift the stories, struggles, and triumphs of the diaspora. When I rock my locks, I’m not just wearing a hairstyle—I’m carrying a legacy. And when you wear something from our line, you’re doing the same. Every piece we create has a story, just like every lock in my hair holds a piece of my journey.

Un-Brainwashing the Narrative

In my poem Dreadful, I wrote:
"Awake the Afrakan in you—you are responsible for what you do.
Listen close to my point of view, for soon you’ll see I’ll soon be through.
Come let’s go—walk a while, make your heritage your daily style.
Come go with me—let’s walk the Nile; to un-brainwash might take a while.”

These lines are a call to action—not just for those who wear locks but for anyone seeking to reconnect with their roots. Reclaiming our heritage isn’t just about how we look; it’s about how we live. It’s about rejecting the brainwashing that tells us European beauty standards are the only standards and embracing the beauty, power, and resilience of our ancestors.

More Than Hair, More Than Clothes

Dreadlocks are more than a hairstyle, just as Amerukhan Basics is more than a clothing brand. They’re a statement of pride, identity, and resistance. They remind us of our connection to ancient gods, modern warriors, and freedom fighters. And they challenge us to carry that legacy forward in everything we do.

So, the next time someone questions your locks—or your heritage—stand tall. Remember that your roots run deep, your history is powerful, and your identity is sacred. Let’s continue to walk the Nile together, un-brainwashing the narrative and making our heritage our daily style. After all, there’s nothing dreadful about staying true to who you are.

— Sid Washington
Founder, Amerukhan Basics Clothing