Book excerpt: Church Hats-part of the rich history of African American women. Author Willie E. Burge Robinson shares her warm memories of her mom's church hats, revealing how her mother's many hats inspired her life journey. For African American women, wearing church hats became popular after slavery. Women wanted to look their best while worshiping and showing reverence to God. When the sound of praise filled the sanctuary, women dressed in flamboyant hats were both an expression of pride and dignity. Some wore hats that pointed toward heaven, getting God's attention. The author's mom carried on the tradition. The weaving of the story behind some of her hats along with pictures may even inspire you to start wearing hats to church!