The Unique History Of The Dap Handshake [Video]

Handshakes have long served as symbols of greeting, agreement, and camaraderie across cultures. However, within certain communities, particularly in African American culture, a unique handshake known as the “dap” has emerged as more than just a greeting—it’s a gesture rich in history and meaning. In honor of National Handshake Day, let’s take a look at the unique history of the dap.

The dap’s history.

During the 1960s and 1970s, amidst the Civil Rights Movement and the Vietnam War, the dap handshake emerged among African American soldiers, notably those stationed in the Pacific during the Vietnam War. Coined from “dignity and pride,” the dap became a potent symbol of solidarity and survival, embodying black consciousness and a commitment to mutual support on the battlefield and in camp, as highlighted by the National Museum of African American History and Culture.

The dap arose partly in response to the devastating loss of Black lives in Vietnam, where …