More than 80 students from five area middle schools gathered at The College School in Webster Groves on Friday to discuss diversity and equality though active learning. The all day event included 15 students from Maplewood Richmond Heights Middle School, as well as an inspiring opening speech by Dr. Charles Pearson.
Pearson is the former assistant principal at Wydown Middle School in Clayton, former principal at MRH Middle School and former assistant superintendent for MRH.
He told students that to change anything they must have moral purpose, allies and courageous conversations – even if those conversations are uncomfortable or not completely resolved.
“Today I hear yelling and screaming but nobody’s talking,” Pearson told the diverse group of 7th- and 8th-graders from Wydown Middle School, Hancock Middle School, South City Prep, The College School and MRH Middle School.
He currently serves as facilitator and trainer for schools, faculty and administrators across the state as well as being involved in the teacher home visit program.
MRH Middle School Principal Michael Dittrich and The College School’s Diversity Coordinator Kelcie Bartley started organizing the event months ago but it seemed more timely given the recent national media attention on the St. Louis area in the wake of the shooting of Michael Brown and the subsequent protests.
Students were engaged and excited to be seen as part of the solution.
“I’m excited to meet new people and learn new things,” said MRH 8th grader Sophie Roy. “Everyone can play a different role.”
BrenNae Chaney, another MRH 8th grader and transfer student from the Normandy schools hopes to see a more positive future. “We need to put stuff aside and realize that everyone is equal.”
Pearson believes middle school students are at a great age to discuss tough issues like race and justice. “They are in tune with their emotions and aren’t jaded,” he said. “They tend to live out loud. This is a prime age to channel that energy.”
More events are planned as the five schools aim to work together in one mission: to increase conversations around cultural awareness and responsiveness.
Sugarfire Smokehouse donated lunch and Unlimited Water provided water.
I’m so proud to that our district, MRH, was part of this important event. I hope this group continues so the students have a safe space to discuss the difficult events happening in our community and nationwide. My only hope is that it is extended to the elementary grades as well. They are talking about these issues as well and could benefit from a similar experience.
Congratulations on leading an important experience in young students’ lives!
Thank you for challenging our young people!
My daughter attended from Hancock Middle School. So happy that this group is getting together to talk about important issues and I agree they are at a great age to articulate what is really going on and how we can make things better. We need it now more than ever.