“Let them Know”: ASAP club uses read-in to inform about African American culture

Leah Schroeder and Mira Nalbandian • February 12, 2020

Speaking into the microphone, senior Taylor Fisher reads a poem written by the African American Literature class. Fisher emphasized her cultural pride. “We love our skin, and we love what we do. We’re very powerful,” Fisher said.

Eyes glued to senior Taylor Fisher as she reads a poem, students and staff gather in the library. The powerful words of poems written by African Americans echo throughout the room.

The African American Student Achievement Program (ASAP) held the annual African American read-in Wednesday, Feb. 12 during both lunches. About thirty students and teachers participated in this event. Junior Mikayla Sims read the poem “Phenomenal Woman” by Maya Angelou.

“More people should come to these because not everyone knows what African Americans go through and what we experience,” Sims said. “If more people come to these, they’ll understand and have a different point of view.”

English teacher Erin Fluchel attended the read-in, which consisted of listening to students read poems from several different African American historical figures.

“It’s powerful to give voice to any sort of community that has been marginalized and is continuing to be marginalized,” Fluchel said. “It’s important to have not just our African American kids there, but to have kids [and teachers] of all colors that are supporting.”

For the event, the African American Literature class collectively wrote a poem called “Let them Know.”

“This event is important because it’s Black History Month,” Fisher said. “This month means so much to us because we have a lot of people that have done so much for us, and we don’t learn about African American culture enough.”

Fisher hopes to make a difference in the lives of other African American students.

“I feel like [the read-in] was a kickoff, a start,” Fisher said. “We [African American students] let them know we’re here, we’re speaking out.”

About the Contributors

Leah Schroeder, Managing Editor-in-Chief

Pronouns: she/her I am a senior this year, and it will be my fourth year on staff. The Pathfinder has pushed me out of my comfort zone, made me more outgoing and helped me to become a better writer. In school, I am involved in many clubs, and I also do field hockey and pole-vaulting. When I’m not writing for the Pathfinder, I love spending time with my friends and family, working out, reading and baking. I have definitely found a love for journalism through the Pathfinder, and I plan on continuing with journalism as a career. I hope to make the world a more positive and kind place through my writing.

Mira Nalbandian, Managing Editor-in-Chief

Pronouns: she/her I am a senior, and this is my third year on staff. I joined journalism to earn a CTE credit, but I’ve found that the Pathfinder has given me a unique, independently-driven space to improve my writing, critical thinking and interpersonal skills, as well as becoming one of my biggest passions. I consider myself an ambitious person, and I have a lot I plan on accomplishing. Outside of the Pathfinder, I am a leader of our school’s feminist club, menstrual equality club, advocacy club and am a member of several other politically-based clubs. I also enjoy playing field hockey, reading and watching Gilmore Girls (and wondering how Rory got into Yale with so few extracurriculars). Similar to Rory, I want to major in political science, English or international relations. My biggest goal is to learn as much as I can about the world and the people who live here, hopefully through lots of travel and different types of food.