“Nappy Hair” Author Discusses Diversity with New York City School Teacher
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
February 24, 1999
Joe Wills
530-898-4143
“Nappy Hair” Author Discusses Diversity with New York City School Teacher
Carolivia Herron, California State University, Chico professor and author of “Nappy Hair,” will appear with the New York City school teacher whose use of the book sparked a national controversy, at CSU, Chico Saturday, March 13.
The two will participate in a discussion titled “Untangling Nappy Hair: Strategies for Teaching About Diversity” at 1 p.m. in CSU, Chico’s Harlen Adams Theatre.
When New York City school teacher Ruth Sherman used “Nappy Hair” in her predominantly African American and Hispanic class last fall, some parents of the school children complained that she was disrespectful and racially insensitive. Herron, who is African American, came quickly to Sherman’s defense, insisting that her book “is a joyful celebration of African American hair” that grew out of her own childhood experience.
Because of parents’ objections, Sherman has transferred to another school, and she and Herron have begun collaborating on a study guide to using “Nappy Hair” to address sensitive issues relating to ethnic diversity.
Herron’s book and the controversy surrounding it have received extensive media coverage in publications including the New York Times, the Los Angeles Times, Newsweek and USA Today. Herron has appeared on ABC’s World News Tonight, Today Show, The Montel Williams Show and The Rosie O’Donnell Show.
“Untangling Nappy Hair: Strategies for Teaching About Diversity” is intended to be of interest to teachers and students preparing to teach and anyone interested in current events or concerned about interethnic relations.
Following the discussion there will be a book-signing in the lobby of Harlen Adams Theatre for those people interested in having Herron and Sherman sign copies of “Nappy Hair.”
The discussion is being presented by the Northstate History-Social Science Project, CSU, Chico’s College of Humanities and Fine Arts, and University Public Events. Department of History professor Dale Steiner is coordinating this event. For more information, please call Steiner at 530-898-6238.
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