Teen Panel to Lead Conversations on Race, Ethnicity, Gender Identity, Immigration Status

Let’s Talk! Ethnic and racial tensions and discrimination are raging in our communities and schools. “Racism is hidden in plain sight,” states a prominent student from John W. North High School. Other students assert: “Racism is one of the biggest issues… People don’t take the time to know someone for who they are.” “Modern racism is… worse than old racism (which was blatant)… now it’s hidden.” “Stereotypes are the biggest reason that racism is prevalent today.”

John W. North High School student leaders and community volunteers are working together to hold meaningful dialogue to address issues of discrimination and cultural representation. In partnership with the Riverside Juneteenth Celebration Foundation and John W. North High School, the Multicultural Council of the Riverside Museum Associates are presenting an all teen panel discussion on Saturday, June 1st, 2 pm to 3:30 pm in the Stratton Community Center at Bordwell Park in Riverside.  Their theme, “Building a Bridge From My Culture to Yours” aptly conveys the premise that by discussing multicultural differences leads to greater understanding and more harmonious relations.

The teen panel is comprised of North High School student leaders from clubs that include: Asian Student Union, Best Buddies, Black Student Union, Multi-Cultural Council, MEChA, and OPEN. The students will discuss experiences of discrimination based on culture, ethnicity, race, colorism, gender identity, disabilities, dialect/accents, and immigration status. By holding meaningful dialogue, the teen panel will give voice to appropriate cultural representation.

As part of the 19th Annual Riverside Juneteenth Celebration at Bordwell Park, several North High School students will perform on stage, and feature a reading of the Emancipation Proclamation, and the history of Colonel Allensworth California State Historic Park. The Black Student Union Trio will perform a spoken-word skit, and other youth performers. The Juneteenth celebration is family friendly, free, and open to the public. Also, the MCC will host an activity/craft table from 12 Noon to 6 pm in Bordwell Park located at 2008 Martin Luther King Blvd., Riverside 92507.

The teen panel program is sponsored in part by a generous grant from the City of Riverside, the Multicultural Council of the Riverside Museum Associates, Riverside Juneteenth Celebration Foundation, and John W. North High School. Many thanks to the planning committee: Maggie Hawkins, Burma Lee Manns, Rose Y. Monge, Luz Negrón, and Frances J. Vasquez, MCC Program Chair. For more information, visit Facebook: Multicultural Council of the RMA, and www.riversidemuseumassociates.org; www.juneteenthsocal.org.