1) In the beginning of the excerpt the author says, "My cover-up mission was to get my hair braided." What is her actual mission? Use evidence from the text to support your response. 2) the story ends with the author proclaiming her "heart [was] emptying like a tide." Why do you suppose she is sad to be returning to her community? Use evidence from the text to support your response.

The white author goes to a salon in Harlem seeking to have her hair braided in an African American style. Some people might say this is unacceptable because it is cultural appropriation. Other people might say that it is acceptable because she is showing admiration for another culture. Where do you stand on this? Is it okay for the girl to get her hair done in an African American style? Why or why not? *