DMAE has three brave new leaders willing to stand up and change the way people think. They are the creators of a new club called Racial Education Advocacy Leaders (R.E.A.L). Its goal: to educate the populous of the school about racism in all of its forms through open discussions held after school.

“R.E.A.L has a goal, to create a more racially accepting and respectful atmosphere within our community through means of education and understanding, but that doesn’t mean we must conform to the same views and opinions,” junior and co-founder of R.E.A.L. Yume Murphy said. “R.E.A.L benefits from the diversity and plethora of opinions our student body has to offer,” Yume added.

Yume co-founded the club, beginning in the second semester of 2014-2015 with Sean Han. With police violence happening against young black men, they believe it is highly important to mention this tension of race in America. Yume and Sean are concerned about this violence and are filled with emotion from hearing about unjust actions stemming from racial prejudice, such as what recently happened to Freddie Gray in Baltimore, MD.

“I have never been personally afflicted with serious racial issues, but from studying the current racial issues in America and other parts of the world, I have developed strong distaste,” explained Sean seriously. “I just found out that there was another killing of an unarmed black man by a white police officer in South Carolina. Reports like this really concern me and motivate me,” he said..

Sean and Yume are also aware of the prejudice occurring in other countries, and make a point in their discussions to

With police violence happening against young black men, they believe it is highly important to mention this tension of race in America.

make sure students know that no one is safe from racism. In R.E.A.L., they broaden the topic to discuss the racial injustice currently occurring in all parts of the world because their purpose is to raise awareness and take a stand against all bigots.

“R.E.A.L. does not necessarily limit the topic to racial injustice in America. Our objective is to raise awareness and stand up against racism among people. Global issues are definitely important and will be discussed,” Sean said.

The first meeting was held on March 25, 2015, from 4:00-5:30 P.M. to introduce their objective and mission for the club as a whole.

“We also talked about racism in our school community, which dealt with A@E versus DM, tension between the teachers of both buildings, and the stigma of the students,” Yume said.

Another aspect of R.E.A.L. is that it is not restricted to one topic. According to Yume, they do not want “one homogeneous topic” but rather a variation of issues to discuss, such as “affirmative action, micro aggressions, and cultural appropriation,” she said.

Freshman Kaya Karibi-Whyte believes that R.E.A.L. is extremely vital for DMAE and sees its utmost importance. She understands the goal of the club and wants this education to spread.

“I think that many people on campus see DMAE as a completely racially accepting environment, but we could really benefit from this club and the discussions it will inspire,” she said.

The origins of the club stem from this past year’s Michael Brown case. Yume and Sean were present in meetings to discuss Michael Brown’s tragedy at the campus-wide meetings in December. Wanting to know more, they joined

R.E.A.L. does not necessarily limit the topic to racial injustice in America. Our objective is to raise awareness and stand up against racism among people. Global issues are definitely important and will be discussed.

history teacher Judy Aronson for a five-week speaker series in March at Englewood’s Galilee Church on the “color of justice” and the novel The New Jim Crow by Michelle Alexander.

“The speakers were very illuminating. Local and state justices provided harrowing evidence about the racial profiling that prevails in modern America,” Yume said.

These influences sparked the idea of creating R.E.A.L. Yume and Sean along with Tanjanay Hardy asked Ms. Aronson and psychology teacher Adrian Bickham to advise the club. Both agreed to help but encouraged the students to take charge.

“I think whenever we have opportunities to share with others what we’re thinking and feeling, it narrows the gap; it brings us close. If our goal is to be not just a school, but a community, then everybody needs to do their share,” Ms.Aronson said.

The first meeting had approximately 13 students, and only two of them were freshmen. The majority were juniors. Sean was disappointed about the lack of attendance from underclassmen.

“I know that they are much occupied with homework and extracurricular activities, but the topics that R.E.A.L. covers are very important for improvement in our society and nation,” Sean said. “I believe that bringing younger teenagers in to engage and participate is crucial,” he added.

Freshman Nailah Shabataka understands the necessity of such a club; she knows how deeply the school needs this. She also wants the students of DMAE to be more aware about society.

“The school should have had this for a long time because it makes the students aware about racism in our country. I also like how it gives minorities a chance to speak,” Nailah said, “more students should join,” she added.

The importance of R.E.A.L. might seem self-explanatory, but its priority goes beyond being able to discuss racial issues. The objective is to make the students aware of the world that they live in and be able to think about ways to improve their society by comprehending it from another’s perspective of racism and prejudice.

“I think the increased conversation and sensitivity helps people understand the others with whom they share their world. While that understanding does not come easy, it is essential to strive for it,” Aronson said.