The lineage of twerking is a map of Black resistance

Lizzo: The Black history of twerking -- and how it taught me self-love | TED · 13:51 · Video: TED · Watch at the source

In short: Lizzo explores the cultural genealogy of twerking, tracing its roots from West African traditions to modern pop culture. She explains how reclaiming this history serves as a powerful tool for self-love and a defense against cultural erasure.

The performance of booty shaking is not a modern invention but a tradition rooted in West African dance. Lizzo traces its evolution through generations of Black women, moving from early blues and jazz performances to the contemporary stages of rap and hip-hop.

By understanding these origins, Lizzo argues that we can better protect Black culture from misappropriation. For her personally, connecting with this lineage provided a framework for body positivity and self-love, transforming a mainstream dance move into a narrative of cultural preservation.

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