Dante de Blasio and the 10 Greatest Afros Of All Time

Bill de Blasio, New York City's public advocate, is the leading candidate for New York City mayor. Politically, de Blasio has campaigned to the far left, and his website focuses on progressive initiatives like changing N.Y.'s "stop and frisk" law, assisting food and income insecure New Yorkers, improving the crumbling transit infrastructure, and increasing access to public education.

De Blasio is part-Italian and married to Chirlane McCray, who is black. Part of his campaign's success should be attributed to his 15-year old son, Dante, who sports a large and truly impressive afro. Media attention has swirled around Dante's cool and classic hairdo since he was featured in de Blasio campaign ad. Dante says that the attention around his hair is "still kind of weird" and admits that "A lot of people recognize me … some people want to take photos and I'm really just happy."

In honor of Dante de Blasio, here are 10 other noteworthy afros.

1. Angela Davis and Kathleen Cleaver

Davis and Cleaver are two iconic Black Panther activists who proudly donned their afros, using the empowering hairstyle to spread their political message. 

2. Reggie Watts

One of GQ's "Men of the Year 2010," Reggie Watts is a unique comedian and talented musician. Reggie isn't just funny … he's insane. Oh, and he's always rocking his huge untamed fro.

3. Questlove

Questlove is part of the legendary hip hop The Roots. The drummer is usually positioned in the back on stage, but his personality and trademark fro are globally visible and recognizable.

4. Oscar Gamble

Gamble played professional baseball for 17 years as an outfielder for multiple MLB teams. His popularity can be attributed both to his talents as a hitter and his large hairstyle. 

5. Pam Grier

Unofficially dubbed "The Queen of the Afro," this list would be incomplete without this beautiful '70s icon, actress and writer.

6. Bob Ross

Bob Ross has painted thousands of "happy trees" on public television. His serene paintings, subtle life analogies, and auburn white-guy afro will never be forgotten.

7. Michael Jackson

Yes, the King of Pop has had several ... errr "looks" over his illustrious music career. The young Michael Jackson sported one of the most perfectly round fros with his superstar musical family.

8. Huey Freeman

Huey is the brain child of cartoonist and writer Aaron McGruder, and the protagonist of the comic strip and animated series "The Boondocks." When interviewed, Dante de Blasio said that Huey Freeman inspired him to go with the fro, which makes perfect sense. This radical cartoon kid is awesome.

9. Erykah Badu

Erykah Badu is a singer-songwriter with R&B, jazz, and soul influences.  She is also a producer, activist, and actress.

10. Dr. Cornel West

West is a prolific author, speaker, and public intellectual with a distinct style. Black suit and black tie, salt and pepper beard, and an afro are as much a part of his legacy as are his best-selling books on race, and his radical critique of the American political system. He currently teaches at Union Theological Seminary.