Typically, integration between the EL schools is rare to see. However, Feb. 9 marked something different as members of the ELHS Cultural Awareness Club visited ELMS to present issues of microaggressions and racism.
The Cultural Awareness Club aims to educate others in the East Lyme community about different cultures and spread awareness of the problems society can bring.
“The minorities here don’t really feel represented, so making sure they feel included in the community is so important,” senior and Cultural Awareness Club president Maheera Hassan said.
It is crucial to address the racial issues that occur in the world and in local communities, but many freeze up in uncertainty when the situation presents itself. At ELMS, members of the club taught students how to respond if you are experiencing or witnessing microaggressions.
“Some people simply laugh it off just because they don’t want to address what is going on, but it can really hurt others,” Hassan said.
The club also aims to create a safe environment for students to represent their own identity and culture. “Sometimes
students want a place where if they feel like their culture isn’t really visible in the school, they have somewhere safe where they can express themselves,” Cultural Awareness Club advisor Victoria Thomson said.
Educating others about what microaggressions are and how to address microaggressions is critical, as society today can be oblivious to the hurt that is spread.
“They can talk about if they want their cultural experience at the school to be shifted, and then propose ideas,” Ms. Thomson said when speaking of the club’s actions.
The club also connected with the Hearing Youth Voices program, an organization that aims to empower the voices of people of color in the working class. They have only met once so far, but the Cultural Awareness Club hopes to work more with them in the future.
With goals of promoting awareness and inclusivity, the Cultural Awareness Clubis always contributing to the community. The trip they took to ELMS is only one action they have taken.
They are responsible for the decorations at ELHS that are put up during cultural holidays and organizing fundraisers.
The club is working with the Art Expo to have several restaurants from the area serve dishes from different cultures.
One action at a time, the Cultural Awareness Club continues to work hard to create a comfortable environment for each and every person within the East Lyme community.
“We want everybody to feel welcome and safe when they arrive here at the high school,” Ms. Thomson said.
