Get to know the Cultural Awareness Club at East Lyme
KYLEE JOHNSTON
The Cultural Awareness Club is made up of students dedicated to educating people on racial equity.
“The purpose is to talk to teachers and younger kids to make sure they are aware of all of the disparities that are happening within the community,” junior and Cultural Awareness co-president Kenya Greene said. By educating younger people, these problems won’t continue to occur as they get older.
“During our meetings, we are thinking of ideas of things we can do to diversify the school and make everyone more open-minded and accepting,” sophomore and club co-president Maheera Hassan said. Recently the club gave a presentation to the staff about microaggressions. Microaggressions are a serious matter and most trauma comes from your childhood, according to Greene. Since the pandemic, they haven’t been able to do much. Before COVID, though, they would put on events such as culture night, when people from different cultures and ethnicities come and make food, dress up, and talk. In the future, they hope to do a movie night or a food truck festival.
“The most important aspect about this club is to make sure people feel represented, have a voice, and make sure someone is looking out for them,” Greene said.
Victoria Thomson, club advisor, said she had to apply to be the advisor but was glad to do it. It is a very student driven club, but she still helps out when needed.
All three said this can be a low commitment club and they encourage everyone to join. Every person who joins makes a difference, even if they aren’t the most upstanding people. Even if they don’t have prior experience with social justice, all are encouraged to join.
