IGNITE Summer 2018 | Page 18

The club’s 20 members meet weekly after school to dialogue and plan diversity-driven projects. They’ve celebrated Lunar New Year, Cinco de Mayo, St. Patrick’s Day, and the winter solstice. They have also led school- wide observances of Black History Month and Hispanic History month. After Hurricane Maria hit Puerto Rico, the club conducted a candy gram fundraiser to raise $300 for storm victims. While the phrase “social justice” can seem daunting, it can start with something as small and simple as caring for a neighbor in the community. The initiative also provides a sounding board where students can discuss their own experiences and learn how to support one another. Participants have taken on complex issues, including bullying, racial inequality, disabilities, and gender pay gaps. The Cultural Diversity Club’s efforts culminated earlier this year with a school-wide assembly. Students worked with teachers and partner clubs to create posters, videos, and poetry. Their goal was to show attendees that everyone can relate to, and play a part in, championing social justice. The event’s speaker, educator and entrepreneur Anthony Mark Miller Jr., explained that while the phrase “social justice” can seem daunting, it can start with something as small and simple as caring for a neighbor in the community, or appreciating how fortunate students may already be. 12 18