I met with ____ on ____, and was elated to become a part of the ____ team. Ms. ____ shared with me, as you did in my initial interview, that ____ needs to strengthen its area of outreach. I appreciated the idea of partnering with Meals on Wheels and updating the brochure. I also had ideas of my own; such as polling clients about the best way to market to their demographic, creating fliers, and visiting homeless shelters, senior center buildings, clinics, and senior centers. I believe outreach would be an excellent way to utilize the ten hours a week while getting the word out and providing clients with resources.

I am, however, sad to say this wonderful visualization cannot become a reality. I cannot move forward in this position. For the last 13 days I have been thinking of Ms. ____’s tone, and her disclosure that ____was taken aback by my overall physical appearance- particularly my “dreads”. I do not have dreads, as a woman of color my hair is Afro-textured – meaning my texture hasn’t been altered by chemical straightness.  My hair is clean and well taken care of, and the style has never been a problem in a professional environment. Ms. ____ informed me that you and she had a discussion with ____ about being culturally sensitive. I am pleased to hear that you have spoken with him, although I am alarmed by his behavior. I am sure he also had to listen to Human Resources read the Civil Rights training form and had to sign off on it. However, ____ and I cannot have a supervisor-supervisee relationship if he is uncomfortable with my appearance and he lacks cultural sensitivity outside of his own community. I believe that as social worker one must embrace differences and provide services to all people in the community, bridge diverse communities, provide a sense of belonging to all, and recognize others’ voices and opinions. I do hope the next person you select, you will be able to apperiacte what they have to offer and povide a welcoming enviorment.

I was reminded of the above scenario after reading these article, Black UK Girl Punished at School for Braided Heart and Twitter Reacts and Illinois’ CROWN Act goes into effect which royally pissed me off and left me screaming “What the fu-k does one’s hair have to do with learning?” It also reminded me why the Crown Act is in place. Sadly, the Act is not international, and it barely works in America. I also had one of my favorite boggers ask about my hair. I know she was asking because she’s on her own beautiful hair journey, and to that I say, embrace your best beautiful self, and allow no one to ever let you feel less than because they don’t understand your appearance.