City Council Dreads Respond To Mackie’s Comments On locks

DerdlockCouncil — Council Members Robert E. Cornegy, Jr. (left) and Jumaane D. Williams are proud to have worn their dreadlocks for years. PHOTO CREDIT: William Alatriste, NYC COUNCIL

City Councilmembers Robert Cornegy and Jumaane Williams – both of whom proudly sport dreadlocks – issued a joint statement today in response to actor Anthony Mackie telling TheGrio website that people who wear dreadlocks contribute to the problem of racial profiling and invite greater police scrutiny.

Mackie, a New Orleans native, made the comment in showing his nephew the Police show, The First 48, and the many criminals that wear dreadlocks. Dreadlocks, according to Wikipedia, date back to the earliest civilizations in Africa and Mesopotamia, and continue to have a spiritual cultural and/or fashion hold across many cultures.

“Anthony Mackie’s comments regarding locked hair is troublesome and problematic, and only serve to reinforce negative stereotypes,” said Cornegy and Williams. “”Perhaps Mackie could have shown his nephew photos of the New York City Council instead of the police show ‘The First 48,’ in response to his request to get ‘dreadlocks.’ Positive reinforcement of Black Males is paramount, not the reinforcement of negative stereotypes.

“America is home to a wide array of cultures and its diversity grows by the day. We should not use our public platforms to frighten individuals into conforming themselves to one stereotypically ‘respectable’ image. As Black elected officials, our hair stands as a source for pride and cultural heritage. We stand against profiling and model respect for cultural diversity, as expressed through appearance and otherwise.

“The words and actions of public figures go a long way toward shaping the perceptions of our youth. We believe that Mackie’s choice of imagery was ‘part of the problem,’ not the style of our hair. As we approach Black History Month, let us embrace the characteristics that distinguish us to send a resounding message that racism and bigotry will not be tolerated,” the two lawmakers concluded.