The definition of multiculturalism is the presence of, or support for the presence of, several distinct cultural or ethnic groups within a society. According to Georgetown University, “Cultural clubs promote inclusivity, and strengthen pride among multicultural students.” With nearly 70 student-run clubs, these organizations allow students of all backgrounds to educate others on their culture and find a sense of community within their school. 

How can we bring something like this into the spotlight at Prairie High School? As students were interviewed, they were asked how and in what ways can we bring culture, cultural history, and community into the light.

Karys Saines, who attends the Bipoc Multicultural Club meetings here at Prairie High School, answered and said through “announcements and Simple Discussions.” Throughout several years of American history, the representation and stories told of POC have been mostly negative. But now, here at Prairie, we could change that. Saines spoke of how she got to “talk to a board member of Washington not too long ago and he said one thing to change was to bring more positive BIPOC history.” Whether it be a recitation of the history of POC inventors, mathematicians, scientists, etc. it all comes down to whether a school would be willing to educate students on this topic. 

It all starts with a little commitment and trust to really pull and engage others in certain topics such as this. “We’re actually in the making of a culture week and assembly,” Saines stated. “It’s a way to showcase people’s culture and where they came from. Whether you’re Ukrainian, Irish or Indigenous, etc. you’ll have a place to participate in this spirit week.” She adds.

It will allow students of diverse cultures and backgrounds to showcase one’s heritage. It will be a stepping stone for most BIPOC students. “We just wanna let show others who they are and where they come from,” states Saines.

This week and assembly can prove to students and staff that our school, and other schools, can show appreciation for the littlest things.

One of the main purposes of the multiculturalism club is to bring awareness and educate on how to combat hate and racism within the school. “It’s a matter of awareness in what ones say and how they say it, we’re all on the same playing field.” Paris Glover, a senior here at Prairie says. Hatred is no joke, and in some cases, that hatred turns into racism.

The multiculturalism club has also run into some problems, according to Saines. “Sometimes we have to tiptoe over people because, if we don’t, we will get in trouble because some people don’t appreciate the things we do.” It’s hard enough when trying to teach others something important and it’s even harder when they don’t listen or you’re denied from even trying to teach issues such as these. 

“It all matters about what both sides think and feel to truly see what the problem is,” a student at Prairie stated. When 50 individuals at Prairie were asked if we should have more classes dedicated to educating about culture, talked to more individuals at prairie high school I asked 50 people “if we should have more classes regarding culture,” 30 people answered this question with a yes. Most Prairie students who said no believed that they were getting proper education with the current classes in place. 

As the school year comes to an end, many things are changing for the better and becoming positive, and one of these reasons is due to the impact of the BIPOC Multicultural Club.