I’ve been living in Peachtree City for more than four years now, and something I don’t think I’ll ever be able to get used to is the overwhelming amount of white people I’m constantly by. Now, of course, to preface this: I am not in any way, shape, or form trying to offend or insult anyone, I am merely trying to tell it the way it is. Before living and going to school in Peachtree City, I lived in Clayton County and spent a good portion of my elementary years surrounded by black people and black culture. To say that the switch from what felt like home to the ‘burbs was eye-opening is an understatement. I felt out of place everywhere I went, especially at school. I made a habit out of counting the number of black students in each of my classes, and it was rather disheartening realizing that the majority of times, the amount could be counted using only one hand. The diversity of McIntosh is as follows: 61.9% White, 11% Asian, 11% Hispanic, and 9.8% African American, which seems pretty “diverse” but when the population is almost 2,000, it’s easy to feel overlooked and alone.
This year, I and another student, senior Lydia Golley, put our heads together to create a safe realm where students like me can feel that sense of community that we felt was missing from the culture of McIntosh. Introducing: McIntosh’s chapter of the Black Student Union, where our goal is to create a safe environment for black students to learn, evolve and participate in their community while also building a community to belong in. Though the club is specifically targeted for Black students, it’s a place for allies to also come, watch, and listen.
Like I already stated, I am not saying that everybody in Peachtree City is not aware of this, “diversity,” but I feel like the children, especially those my age should be more informed about it. The things I hear in my school are really shocking and we have to start talking about them.
In McIntosh, I did not hear much about Black History during Black History Month in February and I feel like it should be “the talk” during that time, the best time to talk about it. We hope to make this club a fun, social club with activities and events that create awareness and provide educational opportunities.