THE MALDEN ADVOCATE–Friday, October 4, 2019 Page 15 State Rep. Ultrino files legislation to prohibit discrimination based on hairstyles Deanna and Mya Cook, 16, without hair extensions, beside their brothers Mekhi, 10, and Thomas, 6. (Photo Courtesy of Colleen Cook) State Rep. Steven Ultrino (D-Malden) holds a cheese and crackers platter before guests arrived. Hosts Colleen and Aaron Cook stand beside the homemade brownies in their kitchen. Janelle Costa serves homemade brownies to guests. Supporter Lynn Schopf holds a political sign of former Governor William Weld, who led Massachusetts from 1991 to 1997. Colleen Cook slices cantaloupe before the Fall Reception at her home began. (Advocate Photos by Tara Vocino) By Tara Vocino S tate Representative Steven Ultrino recently made a special announcement during his fall reception. Ultrino filed a hair legislation bill, hoping that the Senate will cosponsor it. He announced the surprise at Colleen Cook’s home, whose adopted twin children Mya and Deanna were asked to remove their braid extensions when they were in 10th grade. “When I found out that there was hate in the community based on culture and hairstyle, I had to do something,” Ultrino said. “What better place to do it than at their house?” According to Cook, Disciplinary Coordinator Dawn Fitzgerald pointed out the rule that no extensions or wigs are allowed, which she said typically targets African Americans. Mya and Deanna had shoulder length hair, which was down to their backs with extensions, Cook said. However, after she, her husband, Aaron, and their children fought to change the written rule, the school removed it in the handbook. “They were really brave; it’s freedom of expression and freedom of speech.” Cook said. “We thank Steve for being an immense force in getting things done.” Tara Vocino may be reached at printjournalist1@gmail.com. Host Aaron Cook said he doesn’t know how to process it yet that his children, Mya and Deanna, 18, made an impact in changing a policy and a problem with racial discrimination. State Rep. Steven Ultrino (D-Malden), Ward 3 School Committee Member Jennifer Spadafora, Mark Linehan, Georgia Linehan, 6, holding campaign sign, Ward 3 Councillor candidate Amanda Linehan and State Rep. Paul Donato (D-Medford) on the patio. School Committee Member candidate Adam Weldai and Marie Lucey share chopped fruit. Looking for a home loan? WE ’RE HERE TO DO RIGHT BY YOU . FIXED RATE MORT G AGES— NO POINTS . State Senator Jason Lewis (D-5th Middlesex) reads a statement on behalf of Councillor-at-Large Deborah DeMaria stating that Ultrino is sorely needed in Malden and that she is honored to call him her friend. 15 YEAR 30 YEAR 3.375% R ATE 3.875% R ATE State Rep. Steven Ultrino (D-Malden) announced that he filed legislation stating that hair discrimination is a violation of civil rights and ensuring that people with all hair styles receive employment/public transportation – based upon when his friends, Mya and Deanna Cook, were told to remove braided extensions at Mystic Valley Regional Charter School in 10th grade. EVERETT – 419 BROADWAY LYNNFIELD – 7 7 1 SALEM STREET 61 7-38 7 - 1 1 10 3.482% APR* 3.936% APR* Learn more about our rates at EVERETTBANK . COM *Annual Percentage Rate (APR) is effective September 27, 2019 and is subject to change. All rates and APR’s are calculated based on a $250,000 loan for an owner-occupied single family dwelling with a 20% down payment. Rates are also based on Loan to Value and credit scores. The monthly principal and interest payment for a 15 Year fixed rate mortgage is $7.09 per $1,000 borrowed. The monthly principal and interest payment for a 30 Year fixed rate mortgage is $4.70 per $1,000 borrowed. Payments do not include taxes and insurance. Your payment may be greater if the loan is secured by a first lien. Loans are subject to credit approval. NMLS #443050. Member FDIC Member SIF
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