“Everyday Use” is first and foremost a story about two different understandings of what it means to be African-American. Although all four of the story’s characters define themselves in terms of their heritage and history, it quickly becomes clear that there is a split when it comes to deciding which aspects of that history to emphasize and embrace. The story thus unfolds as a kind of debate between the ideas embodied by Maggie and Mrs. Johnson on the one hand, and Dee and Hakim-a-barber on the other.

Although Walker does not explicitly say so, it seems clear that Dee and Hakim-a-barber’s views have been shaped by the Black Power movement—in particular, by its rejection of Western culture as intertwined with racial oppression. In their search for a more authentic ethnic or racial identity, many members of this movement turned to traditional African cultures, just as Hakim-a-barber converts to Islam and Dee adopts the name “Wangero” and a more African style of dress. Notably, “Everyday Use” doesn’t entirely write off this impulse to turn to Africa in the search for ethnic identity and pride; although initially taken aback by her daughter’s appearance, Mrs.