The Culture Club is an up-and-coming group brand new to MCHS. Led by JAMS LEAD teacher Ana Freeman, students learn about other cultures and then develop creative ways to share them around the school.
Recently, club members designed ofrendas, or altars, to celebrate Día De Los Muertos, the Day of the Dead, and made pupusas, a thick griddle cake originating from El Salvador. They also decorated a hallway with beautiful banners and informational posters giving students a chance to celebrate Latino Heritage Month from September 15- October 15. However, the club doesn’t just celebrate Latino culture.
“[We] express other cultures, not just the Latin culture,” said freshman Rachel Dominguez-Naba. They also plan to celebrate Native American Heritage in November, Black History Month in February, and Asian Pacific Islander Month in May. Students have even approached Dominguez-Naba and said that they cannot join the club because they aren’t Latino. But everyone is welcome. Comparatively, organizers say race doesn’t equal culture.
“Culture, sometimes, we think race, It’s about race, when it’s not. There’s music culture, there’s art culture, there’s sports culture,” said Freeman. Culture can be found everywhere, but not everyone shares the same culture.
“I want someone to view it like it’s okay to be different; not everyone has to be the same,” said freshman Angelina Victoriano. The culture club is a safe space for students to explore and teach each other the ins and outs of different cultures.
