Second-Grader Shows Up to School in Black Face Paint

COMMENTARY | A second-grader showed up at school on Wednesday wearing black face paint. Was it a racial slur or a tribute to a popular icon?

This was a school project gone wrong. A second-grade student in Colorado Springs showed up in black face paint on May 16. Sean King was expecting it to be a great day; instead he was sent to the principal's office.

Second-graders at Meridian Ranch Elementary school in Colorado Springs were asked to dress up as a historical figure for "Wax Museum Day." King was assigned to dress the part of Martin Luther King Jr., and according to Channel 13 News, King's mother Michell King-Roca, she says her son was very excited.

As part of the project, parents were encouraged to come watch the presentations. So on Wednesday, King's parents along with several other parents were there for this event. Imagine the surprise when the principal came up and told King that he would have to remove his face paint.

King and his parents were confused. They were told that individuals at school District 49, had an issue with his face paint and the principal instructed him to remove his face paint or to leave.

The parents nor King were aware that black face paint was not permitted. The class assignment did not specify that the students could not wear face paint, however school officials told the press that the school's dress code policy does not permit students to wear face paint.

But the bigger issue was that the paint was considered a show of disrespect. King stated in a television interview on KRDO News 13 that he was in no way trying to disrespect anyone, nor was he trying to disrespect Martin Luther King Jr. In fact, he had prepared a homework assignment that paid tribute to Martin Luther King Jr.

King and his parents were confused from the event and decided to contact their local television station to express their frustration. This story has sparked a lot of interest.

Was King wrong in this situation? As with any story, there are two sides to this. King appeared very respectful and composed on Wednesday as he spoke with representatives from News 13. He says he was given an assignment to appear as a waxed figure of Martin Luther King.Jr. and that is exactly what he did.

King and his parents were unaware and far too young to realize that the roots of "blackface" are steeped in some ugly racial controversy. King merely showed up to school to honor and to respect Martin Luther King, Jr. in this waxed figure assignment.

Racism is never right, but the look on King's face this evening on News 13 showed a child who was in no way trying to mock this historical figure and what better way to portray a waxed figurine than to dab some make up on.

Racism has to stop, but accusations aren't necessarily the solution. Let's use these incidents as learning tools rather than issues of division.