Mana Siddiqui and Bella Swansinger
eSomethin Staff
“Out of all the moments as a Muslim, the most racist experience I’ve had was in my freshman year…It made me feel as if I wasn’t good enough,” said Eeman Hashem, a sophomore at Perrysburg High School.
Whether we like it or not, racism is prominent in our lives. Experiencing racism is unfortunately normal for many teenagers; it is inevitable that culture conflicts will sometimes arise.
Heritage clubs at Perrysburg High School stop racism by celebrating our school’s diversity
Several Perrysburg students have stepped up as leaders to establish and promote cultural heritage clubs that appreciate Perrysburg’s different cultures. Ethnic heritage clubs, such as Asian American Club, Muslim Heritage Club, Afro American Club and Spanish Club, work to actively seek and confront racist words or behaviors and teach students of every color about the different cultures that make the world diverse and beautiful.
Students who are a part of heritage clubs at Perrysburg High school told eSomethin how racism has impacted them throughout their lives.
London Cooper, a member of the Afro American club, said the first time someone had been racist to her, she had plenty to say.
“Since I am darker than other black people that are lighter they don’t seem to experience the same racism as I do since they are light skinned,” Cooper said.
Cooper said she has faced a lot of racism growing up, from her friends or even random students in the hallways and classrooms. She said by joining the Afro American Club she feels more included in the community.
Other students share Cooper’s desire for inclusion.
Sophomore Jaiden Carlisle, who is half Filipino, is in his second year as a member of the Asian American Club. “I joined this club to meet more people that have the same background as me,” Carlisle said.
Carlisle, like Cooper, has also experienced racism.
“Some students do not understand the effect of racist terms,” said Carlisle.
After joining the Asian American club, Carlisle has made friends as well as felt more comfortable being himself.
Sophomore Analeah Lopez joined the Spanish Club because of her Hispanic background. Lopez said having clubs like this helps her to feel more comfortable in her own skin. She enjoys the activities the club provides.
Eeman Hashem, co-president of the Muslim Student Association, said, “Yes, I think everyone in the MSA club has gone through different experiences and what they believe is positive or negative. That’s what makes the club so special because without these different experiences these long lasting friendships wouldn’t have been possible.”
Another attraction to heritage clubs are the potlucks and festive activities
Members of the Muslim Student Association organized a potluck last year showcasing many styles of food from American fast food to Middle Eastern delights. The club invited other heritage clubs to participate as well. The school community was invited to munch, eat and consume the delicious variety the clubs had to offer.
Ethnic clubs serve people a purpose to learn and to grow
Heritage clubs serve an amazing purpose to why being different is a beautiful thing. Yes, it may come with experiences that are not easy to forget and sometimes it is scary to be yourself but that’s the reason you were created this way. To show that throughout thick and thin you are strong. You are what represents Perrysburg. The reason people joke about you being Black, Hispanic, Asian or Middle Eastern isn’t because they want to make fun of you, it’s because they’re intimidated by you. You stand out and people are not good with change. But be that person. Stand out in a crowd and be different. You are still a part of Perrysburg.
These clubs serve as a way for others to learn about one another by having a deeper connection. They create long lasting friendships that stick with you during high school. They encourage and impact Perrysburg in ways that no one thought was possible.
Perrysburg has a vast amount of clubs, many of these clubs cultivate passion and interest in students. Student participation has increased significantly every year.
Even students that are not from that ethnic minority groups enjoy coming to meetings to learn about the culture and fantastic celebrations that happen within them.
You should be proud of who you are.
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