Marian Scott, the 8-year-old who was denied her school pictures because of the red highlights in her hair, just received a free photo shoot that puts all of our school photos to shame.
Last month, Marian, a 3rd grader at Paragon Charter Academy in Jackson, Michigan, was told she couldn’t take school pictures because of the red braid extensions in her hair. The little girl was crushed and her father was furious. While the school’s handbook did make mention of “natural toned hair color,” the charter school allowed her to return to class. Her father was frustrated because there was no clarity around the course of action if a student showed up with colored hair and he felt that if she could stay in school, then she should’ve also been allowed to take her school pictures, WILX reports.
The 8-year-old’s story went viral, prompting a number of photographers to reach out to Marian’s family, offering free photo shoots in an effort to help build up her confidence. This month, Jermaine Horton was one of the photographers that made it happen.
While Marian said the incident at her school made her “feel [her confidence] go,” she said the photo shoot helped her to get it back. “It was fun, you got to pose and change clothes and got to be yourself,” she said.
Horton drove hours from his home in Chicago, Illinois to photograph Marian. He even provided her with a new wardrobe donated by Mieka Joi, CEO of Rich Girl Candy.
“Confidence is a process, especially [with] a child because they are so fragile, so we [wanted] to make sure that she [felt] great that day, but also going forward that it’s ongoing and she still feels that support,” Horton said.
Since the incident, Doug Scott, Marian’s father said they have chosen to take Marian out of Paragon Charter Academy. The family said they are grateful for all the negative and positive things that have come out of this entire ordeal. Marian said she also appreciates the love and support.
Her father hopes that he can push the conversation on equity in schools forward within the city of Jackson.
You look beautiful Marian! And we love your red hair! To see more of Jermaine Horton’s work visit his website here.