Sophomore DaeBreona Byrd said having the club Student Organization Against Racism (SOAR) comforts her because she knows this group will help her if she’s ever a victim of racism or knows of someone who is.

“Personally, I think that it makes me feel a little bit safer, knowing that if something did happen, or if I were to be a victim of racism or found someone who was, that I would have somewhere to go,” Byrd said. “There would be something done, instead of having that issue and not knowing where to go and not knowing what to do about it.”

Byrd said the club plans to orchestrate several group events and discussions.

“We have a lot of rallies and things that we’re going to, and a lot of participation that we’re needing and asking for,” Byrd said.

Senior club member Nora Sylvestre said SOAR has made an impact in our school by initiating a conversation about racism.

“I don’t think there was very much of a conversation at all before this club was started. I think that hopefully it’ll gain more interest,” Sylvestre said. “The goal is just to start conversation, so get people to start talking about race, and just acknowledging it within our school system.”

Club advisor Arika Mareck said she believes the group benefits all students at Park.

“I think it’s important that we have a racially, socioeconomically, culturally diverse population,” she said. “We need to give kids the tools of all backgrounds and all races, to have those conversations.”

According to Byrd, during meetings in the past, there was time to express thoughts and feelings on the topic of racism and situations club members have encountered relating to discrimination.

“We also talk about what we can do within our school and our community that would help us end racism, or help other people who are going through racism or any type of discrimination,” Byrd said.

Mareck said she hopes to continue to develop the new club and get voices heard throughout the school.

“I think it would be great to get as many people there, to not be afraid to come, because it’s on a subject such as race,” Mareck said.  “Everyone’s welcome: race, gender, class, intelligence level. Whatever it is, everyone should come.”

The club plans to meet 8:10 a.m. every Tuesday in the Learning Lab. The first informational meeting takes place Sept. 15.