I don’t know how many of you have been following the saga of an unfortunate, perhaps, but brave, certainly, young Black high school student in Texas named Darryl George. I know Black Kos members have. Black folk have been discriminated against not just for the color of their skin, but for the texture, color, and necessary or preferred styling of their hair for centuries. It continues today, often with little push back. Sometimes with outright support. I’m not really here to tell that ongoing story. I’m just here for Darryl George.
Darryl George has spent most of his junior year at Barbers Hill High School separated from his classmates, sentenced to a mix of in-school suspension or class at an alternative education campus. He’s allegedly denied hot food and isn’t able to access teaching materials.
His offense: wearing his hair in long locs.
www.texastribune.org/...
Ring a bell now?
It just went to court and the judge ruled against Darryl in no short order.
Barbers Hill ISD removed the Black 18-year-old student from regular classes Aug. 31, stating he was not complying with the dress code in regards to the length of his locs hairstyle. The Texas CROWN Act, which prohibits race-based hair discrimination, went into effect just one day later.
The Texas Tribune tells us how he left the courtroom in tears, along with his family, lawyer, and the people who worked so hard to pass the Texas CROWN Act.
I could tell you how it makes me feel. I can’t imagine how these folk feel right now. This was Darryl before the trial. Even though he lost, his words say enough. Now the rest of us need to speak up.
And after:
UPDATE:
I love that people were thinking about this overnight! I checked yesterday and there was already a lone GoFundMe page for him set up by someone who doesn’t even know him, but was so moved by the story. I contacted him and suggested he contact the lawyer and try to coordinate (The Gofundme had been set up to provide for lawyers to see this through, any leftover funds to help further Darryl’s education,) with the actual needs and to prevent duplication. The person responded overnight and said they would do so — it’s down for now. I am in contact with them, and told them I/we will support their platform if the lawyer is on board.
I was also thinking about it last night, and after so many good suggestions from folks, I believe we have not heard the last of this story! I will follow up with Darryl’s lawyer myself and post a new diary when I have something concrete to add.
Thank you for your support. We must all STAND UP and SPEAK UP!!!
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Thank you to GrannyCT for providing the email address to Darryl’s attorney’s law firm (Allie Booker) in case anyone wants to send their own messages of encouragement, etc.
email:
booker@bookerlawfirm.com
snail mail:
1200 Rothwell St
Houston TX 77002
713-292-2225
Still working to coordinate with her myself. Again, thank you everyone!