Date/Time
Date(s) - 08/07/2026 - 11/29/2026
12:00 am
Location
August Wilson Center For African-American Culture
Categories
This exhibition explores how a greeting — known as a dap — evolved into one of the most recognizable expressions in Black culture.
A dap greeting is a gesture of welcome and solidarity between two people. It usually takes the form of a fist pump or a handshake in which fingers are hooked.
Dapping originated among African American service members during the latter part of the Vietnam War (1955-1975) Its main use was to instill solidarity among Black soldiers, conveying their commitment to look after one another in the face of racism in the military. The origin of the term “dap” remains unclear, but may have begun as a acronym for the phrase “dignity and pride.”
A highlight is an immersive eclectic living room/archive environment inspired by the many eras in which the gesture emerged and grew into from the 60s to present day culture.
Address
980 Liberty Avenue,
Pittsburgh,
PA
15222
United States