Oscars: Hair Love creators invite teenager suspended from school because of his dreadlocks to award ceremony
The Oscars red carpet is in full swing
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Your support makes all the difference.A teenager who was suspended from school for having dreadlocks has appeared on the Oscars red carpet after invite from Gabrielle Union and Matthew Cherry.
DeAndre Arnold, 18, was told by his principal that he needed to cut his hair in order to finish his education and attend his graduation ceremony.
On 1 February, a week before the Oscars, the teenager was invited by Union and Cherry - the team behind Hair Love, which is nominated for best short film - to be their guest.
Former NBA player Dwayne Wade sent a video message to Arnold, saying: “We love the way you carry yourself and we wanted to do something special for you.
"You and your mother Sandy are the official guests of the Oscar-nominated team behind Hair Love.”
Arnold has worn dreadlocks for years but the school says they are now at an unacceptable length - although he keeps them off his shoulders, tied up and out of his eyes, as per the school rules.
He told the Ellen DeGeneres show: “My hair really means - like, it’s really important to me.
“My dad is from Trinidad and you know, it’s part of our culture and our heritage. I really wish the school would kind of be open to other cultures. At least let us try to tell you some things.”
Arnold has also been offered a $20,000 scholarship to attend college.
Gabrielle Union has had her own reported experience of hair discrimination.
In November 2019 the 47-year-old left her position as a judge on America’s Got Talent following repeated criticism about her hair.
Union was reportedly told her rotating hairstyles were “too black” for the audience.
She later shared a post on Instagram showing a variety of hairstyles with the caption: “Unapologetically me. Be comfortable and confident with your whole a** self.
"It might give others the fluuuxxx but never stop being you. You can shine on your own terms.”
“And if you got something to say, I don’t take notes rooted in anti-blackness. I love me as I am.
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