Alhambra High School’s Student-Led Equity Team begins its second year in January, and organizers are hoping to increase the number of participants. Last year, they had around 40 students, and this year they are hoping to gain at least 60 students.
The program was launched in the 2024 spring semester with the hopes of developing racial consciousness and cultivating the skills needed to address racism on campus. Principal Kesha Emmendorfer called for the program as a way to promote a safer campus for everyone, and a number of teachers and counselors were assigned the tasks of getting it started.
Melissa Gilbarg, a counselor at Alhambra High in Martinez and one of the faculty advisers of the program said, “Alhambra is becoming a more diverse school every year. … It’s very important that we make Alhambra feel welcoming to all students.”
In the program’s first year, students attended seminars hosted by Lori Watson’s Race-Works program, which uses reflective activities and dialogue to create conversations about race and a positive learning environment. Along with seminars, many students attended committee meetings where they discussed what they were learning. They met four times last year.
One change this year is the elimination of the application process. Last year, students went through a series of applications to be selected. This year, the program is open to anyone who wants to join throughout the year.
Gilbarg said the program activities haven’t been decided yet but the students will be making those decisions on how best to spread awareness about inclusion and equity in the school.
“We aren’t quite sure on how we will do this yet as it is up to the students. We are going to talk to the members about how to let people know about the equity team,” Gilbarg said.
Kaylie Taylor, who participated the first year, said the equity program is “where a group of students discuss race and look deeper than just what’s in front of us.”
The 10th grader said the program educated her on “speaking up against racial discrimination and even LGBTQ+ and gender problems.”
Taylor said the activities also gave her more confidence to speak up and be braver in pursuing her own interests, including joining the Lacrosse Club.
Taylor said, “I really liked the social aspect and getting to hear from new people.”
When asked if she would change anything about the program, she said, “No, it was honestly great the way it was. I liked hearing everybody speak up for once, especially when a lot of people feel like they don’t have a voice at school.”
Anna Messerer is an 11th grader at Alhambra High School in Martinez.