Pennridge Finds Its Voice With the M.I.C.

Pennridge High School, located in Perkasie, Pennsylvania, is home to over two thousand students. White people make up about eighty-five percent of those students. Due to the lack of diversity, students of color began to realize how underrepresented they were within the curriculum, faculty, and club representation. In October of 2018, Aliyah Lomax created the Minority Inclusive Club (MIC) in hopes of providing a forum for these students to voice their thoughts, feelings, and opinions.

“I felt that in our predominantly white high school, a platform needed to be created for minorities and other underrepresented groups to speak about what goes on in the school as well as on a global level,” said the club president, Aliyah Lomax. In light of the events surrounding the murder of George Floyd, it became more apparent just how much Pennridge’s curriculum was lacking in diversity. This past June, the MIC took initiative to create an online petition asking for the school board to overhaul and institute a curriculum dedicated to anti-racist education. It received almost three thousand signatures. When asked what the club’s biggest success has been, Aliyah said, “the petition gained lots of support from community members and the staff at Pennridge.” She also mentioned that, “Our biggest challenge has definitely been spreading the club’s message to everyone. A lot of people assume the wrong things from our club and its title, but it has not been too difficult because of all the support we get from our club advisor.” The MIC has been working hard with the Pennridge superintendent and the Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion team.

Pennridge alumni and Temple University student, Elizabeth Lomax, was a member of the MIC during her high school years. “I joined because attending a school where you feel like the odd one out, the club provided a great platform for the Pennridge community to grow,” she said. Her favorite part of the club was, “…to gather around and talk after school about anything that we wanted to without feeling like we were being judged.” It is so important for everyone to talk about their feelings and express their concerns. If people do not feel comfortable because of the environment they are in, it is crucial that groups like the MIC provide that safe space for them.

The Minority Inclusive Club holds weekly meetings via Zoom to discuss the ongoing issues marginalized groups face and welcomes all who come with good intentions and seek constructive dialogue. The club also participates in Pennridge’s Daily Ramble video announcements during Black History Month, highlighting African American success and achievement. The MIC plans to expand its appearance on the Daily Ramble outside of Black History Month. The Minority Inclusive Club’s recent efforts are bound to make a lasting impact on the Pennridge community.