African and Middle Eastern club adviser Brandy Siddiqui spotlights African and Middle Eastern students who otherwise wouldn’t be comfortable speaking on their own.

Siddiqui is glad the club exists because it serves as a place for students to express themselves.

“This club is a good way for students to get together and debrief about any issues that are bugging them, or anything else they want to talk about amongst the group,” Siddiqui said. “We don’t really talk about religion, but we focus on culture.”

The African and Middle Eastern group has 70-80 more students than last year, according to Siddiqui. The club talks about issues their parents have gone through due to their race and immigration according to Siddiqui.

“A lot of students feel comfortable when others from the same background are all talking about issues pertaining to them, including cultural gender roles from immigrants,” Siddiqui said. “I know that Muslim girls feel safer in an environment with other girls wearing hijabs and are more open to talking about their culture as a whole.”

The kids need a voice and a place to talk about things where they won’t feel judged, according to Siddiqui.

The other adviser of the club is Chris Weaver in the Learning Lab.

“It’s my first year becoming adviser along with Siddiqui, but I’m looking forward to learning more from these students as well as being an new advisers of a club,” Weaver said.

Siddiqui said although the club is one of many at Park pertaining to cultural ethnicity, the African and Middle Eastern group doesn’t focus on racism. Instead, she said it focuses on creating confidence among the students and incorporating their religion with pride within the halls of Park High.

Siddiqui said the club plans to have their first meeting sometime in late October. To get involved in this group, talk to Siddiqui or Weaver to become a member.