WHEREAS, Black hair has historically been viewed as unkempt and unprofessional; and
WHEREAS, A relic of white supremacy, this outdated view is one that should and is now being confronted by Northeast High School’s students; and
WHEREAS, Northeast High School is the largest school in the school district, with over 3,300 students, and has one of the most diverse student bodies of any school in the City of Philadelphia; and
WHEREAS, Many of Northeast High School’s Black students had felt pressure to straighten, braid, or otherwise hide their natural, beautiful hair; and
WHEREAS, Afro Day was started at Northeast by Kadedra Mattis and Amia Harris after discussing connotations and perceptions of Black hair throughout history in teacher Keziah Ridgeway’s African American history class; and
WHEREAS, Afro Day at Northeast is about far more than just hair- it is about a reclamation of body, power, and community; and
WHEREAS, Afro Day has, in turn, offered a sense of “comfort and belonging” for Black students at Northeast, who now feel less hesitant to wear their hair naturally; and
WHEREAS, Afro Day has been met with widespread support across the school; and
WHEREAS, The students should be commended for standing up for what they believe is right, and for being unashamed and proud of who they are; and
RESOLVED, BY THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF PHILADELPHIA, That we hereby congratulate and honor the Champions of the Week, the students of Northeast High School, for establishing Afro Day, wherein students chose to wear their hair naturally and pridefully.
FURTHER RESOLVED, That engrossed copies be presented to Kadedra Mattis, Amia Harris, and teacher Keziah Ridgeway, further evidencing the sincere admiration and respect of this legislative body.
End