With its slap, the hug, and even some signature gestures, the dap is second nature to us. But while many of us do this as a friendly greeting, the dap first spread among Black soldiers fighting in Vietnam.
“I’m not above you, you’re not above me, we’re side by side, we’re together.” That was the message of the dap, which has been called an acronym for “dignity and pride.” Facing racism from white soldiers, a disproportionately high death rate, and the most dangerous missions, Black soldiers needed a language just for themselves. They had to depend on each other to survive.
Military leaders, way too concerned with Black folks’ business, court-martialed hundreds of soldiers for dapping. But Black soldiers kept dapping because it kept them safe and united.
Years later, the military realized that many Black veterans did not trust white doctors, but having Black GIs dap with these veterans made them more receptive to treatment. Whether among soldiers, teammates, or people we’ve just met, the dap is a way to spread Black love.
We have to hand it to Black culture. To honor its origins and keep the dap sacred is what our history is all about. So don’t forget to dap someone up today.