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    A Teen With Dreadlocks Denied A Job At Six Flags Is Getting A Modeling Career Instead

    On to better things!

    This is 17-year-old Kerion Washington.

    In March he applied for a part-time job at Six Flags in Texas, but was told he had to cut his dreadlocks to get hired because they reportedly considered it an “extreme hairstyle” per their dress code policy.

    His mom Karis first shared the story with this Facebook post.

    Facebook: karis.washington

    He told Fox, “I was very disappointed and confused. (My mom and I) never thought that was in the policy, we read through it and never saw it.”

    There is a long history of discriminatory practices against African Americans based on natural hair styles. Currently, California is the only state that has active legislation to combat the issue. Just last week Gov. Gavin Newsom signed the CROWN Act, which makes it illegal for workplaces and public schools in the state of California to discriminate based on natural hairstyles, including braids, cornrows, and dreadlocks.

    After the Facebook post, the head of development at IMG Models in LA saw Kerion’s photo and fell in love with his look — dreadlocks and all.

    He had his first photo shoot a few weeks ago. Washington told Fox he was nervous at first, but eventually opened up in front of the camera.

    People are loving this surprising turn of events.

    I APPLAUD this! #KerionWashington https://t.co/YWEqe7y2be

    And now complete strangers are cheering him on.

    So wonderful this outstanding young man was SEEN FOR ALL HE HAS TO OFFER!! PROUD HE’S A TEXAN!!! No doubt he has a SUPER BRIGHT FUTURE ahead of him!! Great work Kerion Washington and you keep rocking your dreads & those gorgeous eyes. Your mother must be so proud!!! https://t.co/l3Yp29ZRKu

    Kerion said, “I think it’s great that they got me to where I can truly be myself. Regardless of your race, religion, gender, sexual orientation, age or hairstyle type – you can achieve anything with hard work. That’s the message I want people to learn from all of this.”

    Mission accomplished, Kerion!