via Maxpixels
Marian Scott bounced into her Paragon Charter Academy classroom in Jackson, Michigan one October morning.
Her adorable (and harmless) red hair extensions were ready for their close up. Until her teacher pulled her out of the Picture Day lineup...
According to the school dress code, little Marian’s hair was a violation and she was forced to wait outside as all her peers smiled for the cameras.
Feeling isolated, ashamed, and misunderstood, all Marian could do was cry. Luckily, her parents shared this injustice among their network.
By the time the family appeared on the Today show, the story had reached one sympathetic parent and Chicago-based photographer Jermaine Horton.
He contacted the Scott family with the sweetest plan to turn their babygirl’s frown upside down.
Decked out in a donated wardrobe courtesy of Joy Entertainment and Event Management and Rich Girl Candy CEO Mieka Joi, Marian - and her now-signature red hair - were treated to an EXCLUSIVE Jermaine Horton Photography shoot!
What did Marian think of the whole experience?
She loved it! We’re so glad a community of supportive pros stepped in to restore this beautiful little girl’s confident spirit.
It’s still unbelievable that in 2019, schools and even employers feel the need to police Black hair and our harmless expressions of cultural identity.