United: MESU’s goals and plans

City High’s Multi-Ethnic Student Union elects this school year’s secretary at its first assembly of the year

By Ramatou Diallo

The president of the club MESU, Wisdom Konu ‘24, expresses his inspirational ideas for the emerging club MESU: The Multi Ethnic Student Union with the goal to promote diversity and shine recognition on students of color and their efforts towards the school.

Wisdom Konu ‘24 took upon the role of president starting this year, had previous experience in leadership roles similar to this one, “I’m very passionate about the purpose of MESU and I would say it’s my passion project because for example, Culture Day, which I participated in, was a thing last year that was really well received by many. So hosting more events where people can feel recognized as well as where people can learn more about other ethnic groups is very important to me,” Konu said.

Some of the events MESU has taken part in include Black History Month Week similar to Spirit Week and the annual Black Student Summit Field Trip which includes multiple workshops, keynote speakers, and a variety of food choices to choose from. These

One of the club’s other events last year took place downtown at Unimpaired. Everyone was welcomed to drinks, pizza, and whatever else they wanted. These types of meetings throughout the year are simply considered to be big group hangouts by Foster. Besides CIC’s casual monthly events, the club has participated in both City High’s and the University of Iowa’s Homecoming Parades, walking as a group.

“Our biggest event last year was the endof-the-year party. We had that down at the Oddfellows Lodge about a block from [City High]. At the party, we ordered Oasis for everyone to eat, had a waterslide, and there were a bunch of fun games we did there too.” Foster said.

Besides its larger events, CIC also pairs with City High Sparkles, an inclusive cheer and dance team that gives students with and without disabilities the opportunity to participate in a school spirit activity.

“We learn routines and perform at pep assemblies and certain sporting events at City High. We have also been given the opportu- nity in the past to perform at a public library event, a county event, and arts fest. Sparkles helps form friendships and strives to create a positive environment where everyone feels welcome,” One of Sparkle’s team captains, Katy Harmsen ‘24 said. events as well as weekly Monday meetings during advisory draw everyone together or in Wisdom’s words, “United.”

“[Sparkles] is also welcome to any new members. Anyone is welcome to join, we want as many people as we can in Sparkles.” Foster said. Sparkles plans to practice Fridays during advisory as the year moves forward. For more information, you can contact Katy Harmsen, Penelope Wilmoth, or the team’s advisor Laura Schwab.

Community Inclusion Club hopes to begin meeting during advisories in addition to their monthly events. The goal is to meet once a week during the school day to play games and hang out with anyone who wants to attend. “There’s always something for someone to do,” Foster stated. The club uses Instagram (@ciccityhigh) to share fliers and announcements with information about all their upcoming events.

For one of MESU’s first meetings, the group met and held speeches to decide on a secretary.

Senior Edjounise Tertulien was elected Monday as MESU’s secretary for the 2023-2024 school year.

“I’m so grateful and appreciative for this opportunity to help promote diversity in our school and I look forward to being in this position, where I can assist in helping shape our school’s culture,” Tertulien ‘24 said.

Though it’s his first year being President of City High’s MESU, Konu has many different ideas including collaborations with other clubs like Student Senate in ways that could promote both clubs generously as well as the efforts of people of color at City, with the two clubs collaborating on video projects for every Heritage month that occurs during the school year.

At the end of the day, Konu wants the student body to know that the future of MESU is in good hands and plans for MESU to be “A club that stays branded and distinct from other clubs, as well as a comfort place for POC.”