#1: Egypt
Historically, lavender was used in ancient Egypt by Pharaohs and high priests. Lavender was infused into their oils, perfumes, medicines, and embalming practices.
#2: Resistance
Throughout the early 1900s, lavender was associated with the LGBTQIA+ community. Anti-Blackness went out of its way to police queerness, and the culture of fear was referred to as the “Lavender Scare.” But by 1969, Black trans women and Drag Kings and Queens had had enough, leading the Stonewall rebellion.
Throwing bricks, stilettos, and punches at police, Black queer activists like Marsha P. Johnson and Stormé DeLarverie showed they refused to be silenced. A month later, an LGBTQIA+ march was held honoring Stonewall and lavender adornments could be seen throughout the crowd, a reclamation of power.
#3: Womanism
Lavender was also politicized by author Alice Walker, who stated, “Womanist is to feminist as purple is to lavender.”
Walker’s metaphor was commenting on the feminist movement centering white womanhood. A “womanist” is a Black feminist committed to the wellness of all humanity, regardless of gender.
Every revolution is made up of tiny details. A color like lavender could seem insignificant to anti-Blackness, but to us it becomes a code of communication.
How can we code ourselves in plain sight?
The revolution is now. What adornment can you wear to spread the word?