Finding community: African American Heritage Club

By Dominic Leading Fox

Among many of the clubs at Owasso High School, the African American Heritage Club stands out as a supportive, community-based group highly deserving of every student’s support. Sponsored by Ms. McCammon, the club serves as a safe space for African American students to come together and discuss issues relating to personal grievances, recent news and minority communities. The club is one of the most open and caring groups one could find on campus.

Photo of the African American Heritage Club’s poster, by Dominic Leading Fox

Meeting every Thursday at 7:30 a.m., students of all grade levels come together to share their thoughts, opinions and experiences. Whether there is a local issue or a national issue regarding African Americans, passionate and organic ideas are always waiting to be expressed. 

“My goal would ultimately be to provide a safe environment for any students of color to come and express their opinions about the current state of our world without feeling judged or that they are speaking out of turn,” said McCammon, sponsor of the club. 

From the looks of it, the African American Heritage Club does just that. Everyone in the room has their ears open to hear their fellow student’s thoughts. It gives these students a safe place to be around others who have similar experiences, something they may not have in their daily lives.

The African American Heritage club is open to any student who feels like they need a voice amidst all the crazy circumstances facing today’s world. The club’s strong, colorful poster can be seen on any given wall in Owasso High School, reaching out to students in need. If a safe place is needed, AAHC’s door is wide open.

“Our takeaway from African American Heritage Club is knowing that no matter what we go through as African Americans, we will always have support, and there will be someone who can relate,” the members collectively remarked.

In addition, the club will be participating in the Tulsa Race Massacre research project field trip to Greenwood Rising with Mrs. McBride and Ms. McCammon next Wednesday.

“[It is] a place where students of color can relate to current and past events and come together to figure out ways to inform others about correct and incorrect behavior when dealing with stereotypes, biases and why they might have them,” McCammon added. “Because it has to start somewhere, right?”