My friend Jasmine and I both danced.  Jasmine was always in the front row. I always stood in the back.

We both were good dancers, but Ms. Leslie wanted me in the back.

she wanted me in the back because I was black, because I had darker skin and a big afro.

Jasmine Had Lighter and skin wavy hair, Ms. Leslie wanted her in the front. Jasmine in the front, Me, Mya in the back

During lunch Jasmine and I sat with each other.

why are you always in the back Mya? You dance good.

Ms. Leslie says my hair would block the other dancers and I don't look as professional as the other dancers.

That's not fair. Maybe She'll let you in the front for our recital Saturday. Want practice at my house?  

Jasmine was my friend.  She was prettier though. She looked like a dancer. She was lighter and had wavy hair. Maybe if I was like my friend Jasmine. 

This made me sad. 

I tried changing my hair, I wore braids I even put on a wig. Nothing pleased Ms. Leslie

The next day I decided to straighten my hair to look more professional. Maybe If I looked more like Jasmine. Maybe If I was Lighter 

Mya your hair looks nice. You look like a dancer.  But I still want you in the back. You still may be a bit of a distraction 

Okay. 

I Just wanted to dance. 

Mya, why you change your hair?

I wanted to look more like you.

So, I could Dance in the front Like you and the rest of the class

Me? But I like your hair how it was before. You should look like you.

Jasmine made me feel beautiful. She told me she liked my Afro.