African descent waitress quits restaurant job for allegedly being discriminated over her natural hair
An African descent woman quit her job in a restaurant in Canada after she was sent home for having hair that is ‘unacceptable’ reports ABC News
Akua Aqyemfra, 20, said she was wearing a hair bun when the manager told her that company policy dictated that hair should be straight and down. Akua took out her hair to show the manager that her natural hair could not fall straight but the manager still sent her home.
“I was so humiliated and shocked,” the York University student
The restaurant, Jack Astor, established a confidential channel through which an employee can share views on policies according to the company’s spokeswoman Kathryn Long’s statement to ABC News. Kathryn added that “Option to wearing ‘hair down’ or ‘up in a stylish do’ are specified in the company’s standards.
“They are unaware of the process we go through to make our hair straight, spending hundreds of dollars on bundles, hair products, not to mention the hours and even sometimes days, it takes to style our hair,” she added.
‘Don’t get me wrong, I think extensions look great. I’ve been wearing them ever since I was a little girl. I love when I get my braids. It’s the protective style I choose and works for me.‘But why am I scrutinized when I decide to to take them out? That’s not fair.’ Akua is qouted to say by the Daily Mail
“I was raised to embrace not only my rich culture but my hair as well,” Akua said. “My natural hair is healthy and fine.”
According to Akua, the experience has helped her embrace her Ghanaian roots
Video courtesy CBC Toronto
