Five on the Black Hand Side. Photos by LaMont Hamilton. Dap originated in late ‘60s w/Black G.I.s in Vietnam War. Dap =“dignity & pride” translates to “I’m not above you, you’re not above me, we’re side by side, we’re together,” a symbol for Black men expressing unity, strength, defiance, or resistance, a language for communicating information. Dap & Black power handshake, evolved from Dap, are important symbols of Black consciousness, identity, & cultural unity throughout Black America.