New Orleans middle school student Faith Fennidy went from being kicked out of school for her hairstyle to being honored at the “Black Girls Rock” award ceremony last weekend.
According to Bossip, Fennidy and her family were treated to a VIP experience at the award show. The “My Black is Beautiful” creators Proctor & Gamble flew the 11-year-old and her family to New York. The family was styled by Tai Beauchamp and dressed in designer clothes for the award show.
Credit: Black Girls Rock
Although Fennidy was kicked out of school for her braids, she received many compliments on the hairstyle. “We wanted to celebrate her beauty,” Beauchamp said. She continued, “Braids are beautiful. We affirmed and supported her. We just poured into her. She told me she’s not going to allow this experience to dampen her spirit.”
The invitation to the event that celebrates black women comes after she and another female student were suspended last week from Louisiana Catholic school Christ the King. The girls school cited its ban on “unnatural” hair in sending home the two girls, who both wore hair extensions. Facing an adverse court ruling and a national backlash over the policy and the spectacle of the video of a dejected Faith walking away from her school, by this week the school announced it was dropping the policy.
Fennidy’s mother, Montrelle Fennidy, said the family really enjoyed “Black Girls Rock.”
“It’s been a difficult week for Faith and our family, but she’s so excited to visit New York and everyone’s been so encouraging and kind,” Montrelle said. “She’s 11 years old and definitely feeling like a very special, very beautiful little girl right now. We’re thankful to everyone including P&G, “My Black is Beautiful,” and BET, who made this happen.”
