Minority Activists : Doing the Right THing
by Tai myers a product of Freestyle academy of communication arts and technology
Foreword
Walking around the campus of Mountain View High School I don’t hear a strong minority voice. It is more like whispers. Even though there are clubs that minorities are involved with, it is really hard to discern the purpose of the clubs. Most if not all of the minority clubs are relatively small compared to other clubs. A lot of people just don’t feel the need to be in one. I’m going to be honest; I didn’t either until this year. I am involved with the BSU, the Black Student Union. Before I joined, I felt like I was too busy with schoolwork and dance. I wasn’t even planning on joining the BSU, but I, along with many other students, went to the first meeting because they were offering free pizza. However, unlike many of the other students, I actually kept attending the following meetings. I felt the need for the Black students to stick together. We are such a troubled race because we don’t stick together. We no longer have a strong family connection. If I didn’t participate in the BSU, then I’m just adding to the separation. If I don’t feel the need to solve this problem,
nobody else would either. Clubs are such and important thing to have at schools. I know why they are important. However, do you?
4
“Well I feel that people such as myself need to be in clubs to give our own perspective on certain topics in the world. Especially in my club I help bring the knowledge of my own culture to everybody else in the club� James Panganiban
“I think that being in clubs allows teens to learn to speak out against things that they don’t like or speak for things that they do like. It helps to tell people what they want and how to change things, and lets teens hang out and have fun” Megan Conway
7
8
9
10 10
11
12
“We need a BSU so kids that are often unheard or feel alone can relate with other students. It is also important to learn about our identity and learn the great opportunities we have because of our race.� Alicia Boulware
13
“The BSU is the high school club that provides a safe and open space for all students. Although we focus on African American students, we invite everyone to attend our meetings and get involved. We aim to break down barriers, not build them.” ART TEACHER AND BSU ADVISOR LORI NOCK
14
15
16
17
18 18
“I think it’s a good Idea. It’s a great and healthy way to unite students with the same goal. It’s a great way to build friendships.” Saam Talebi
19
“I think that it’s a good experience. It promotes leadership and activism.” Jose Ontivarios
20 20
21
22 22
23
There are plenty of teens that are participating in clubs and speaking out for a cause that don’t know that they are activists. I am an activist for writing this essay. For straying away from the norm and unearthing a hidden gem.
24
25