World Issues Club Debates International Injustices
Students discuss how police brutality has affected them. Photo Credit: Marilyn Sumba
By MARILYN SUMBA
Do you want to speak your mind about the problems we face in our society? If so, think about joining the World Issues Club. The club opens students’ minds to the world’s greatest injustices and gives them the opportunity to discuss these issues with their peers every Wednesday, period 9, in Room 303.
“We discuss issues that relate to the real world and that also affect us,” said Maylyn Mei ’21, who has assisted every club meeting since they began in late October. “Last week, we learned about police brutality, and I realized this problem was rooted in dark chapters of American history.”
Rhoda Idowu ‘20 said, “I’m at that certain age when I need to know about these kinds of issues. The first time I came, we were talking about racial issues. I’m a minority, so it matters to me.”
This club is also an excellent option for Midwood students who enjoy debates and letting their opinions be known. The club’s advisor, Ms. Billie Braithwaite-Jones, who also teaches public speaking and coaches debate, takes a seat in the back to look over the classroom and club activities while students lead the way.
“I like debating and when ideas are expressed out in the open,” said Mei. “The energy that arises from these debates is fulfilling.”
The club’s president, Logan Fosu ’20, creates all the slide presentations each week. The vice president is Mozima Qayyum ’20. For them, it’s a matter of contributing to their peers’ knowledge to have an impact on their lives.
“In World Issues Club, we discuss issues that affect society and us personally on a daily basis,” said Qayyum. “These topics include racism/colorism, sexism/gender inequality, the LGBTQ+ community and their struggles, gun violence/police brutality, climate change, and much more. These issues are discussed to raise awareness and educate our fellow peers. Also, it creates connections, so no one feels isolated going through struggles.”
They also look for ways to engage the club’s members to actively participate in discussions.
“We actually take suggestions from the class about what topics to talk about and make a schedule for the order in which we will talk about the issues they suggested,” said Fosu. “However, we also know that the club could go farther. This club could improve by incorporating more hands-on activities and getting an adult’s perspective on these issues.”
Fosu said, “The students in the club will encounter at least one of these issues either in school or outside in the real world. So by joining our club to discuss them with others, it prepares them to handle situations more maturely and effectively.”