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Home / News / School
New Trier hosts inaugural all-day seminar on race
Pulitzer Prize-winning writer Isabel Wilkerson, author of “The Warmth of Other Suns,” delivers a keynote address to
students Jan. 18 during New Trier High School’s MLK Seminar Day on Race.
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Libby Elliott, Staff Writer 6:00 am CST January 26, 2016 Share +
While other local area schools were closed on Jan. 18 in observance of Martin Luther King
Jr. Day, New Trier remained open to compensate for a compressed 2015-16 academic calendar put in place to accommodate ongoing construction at the school’s east campus in Winnetka. In lieu of regular classes, however, students on both the east and west campuses attended an all-day seminar exploring issues of race and racial identity. “The early summer release has forced us to eliminate singular holidays this year,” Assistant Superintendent of Student Services, Tim Hayes, said. “But we felt strongly that Martin Luther King Jr. Day should not be just another school day. We wanted to honor his legacy as a civil rights leader and activist for racial justice.” The day’s agenda included a keynote speech by Pulitzer Prize winner Isabel Wilkerson, author of “The Warmth of Other Suns,” a chronicle of the Great Migration of AfricanAmericans from the South during the 20th Century. Meanwhile, on the Northfield Campus, Ilyasah Shabazz spoke to freshmen about her experience growing up as the youngest daughter of civil rights leader Malcolm X. In addition to attending one keynote session, pupils participated in two small group seminars of their choice from a list of more than 60 topics ranging from the portrayal of minorities in TV dramas to Jackie Robinson and The Harlem Renaissance. A mixture of faculty, students and outside presenters led the discussions. Gracee Wallach, a New Trier senior, is active in Student Voices in Equity, a campus group that played a large role in working alongside school faculty and staff to organize the day. As a member of this group, Wallach was invited to facilitate a seminar entitled “Intersections: Where Race and Gender Connect,” attended by 35 students. “In a community that is predominantly white, issues of race and privilege often don’t enter the classroom,” she said. “The ultimate goal of this event was to create a safe space where students can talk about race and explore issues that shape our understanding of the world.” Although official records indicate that attendance rates on Jan. 18 were between 66-70 percent — which administrators say is typical of a non-academic day at New Trier — Wallach and other organizers had been worried that student turnout would be low. Emmanuelle Haye, a minority student at New Trier and member of the Black Students Alliance, however, declared the day a great success.
“Students who attended gained multiple perspectives and were able to step outside themselves and view our school and the world through a different lens,” she said. The MLK Seminar Day on Race, which was closed to the press and outside spectators, was part of New Trier’s ongoing work toward equity and global citizenship, which includes goals outlined in the district’s last strategic plan. According to school statistics, 83 percent of New Trier’s student body is white with black students representing just 0.8 percent of the population. “I have received the best education any high school could provide, but at the same time, the lack of diversity can make it hard,” Haye said. “If minority students are not bold with our voices, we can be lost in the crowd. With this event, New Trier has shown its willingness to let those voices beheard.”
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More from The Winnetka Current Girls Bowling: Trevians turn tables on Ramblers for win North Shore native shines at sketch comedy festival Regina student volunteers at home, abroad, wins scholarship contest Strand proposes to keep stormwater west instead of moving east in tunnel New Trier hosts inaugural all-day seminar on race Girls Basketball: Raiders stop two-game skid
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SPORTS Team 22 Photo Gallery High School Youth Athlete of the Month Athlete of the Week
OPINION From the Editor Letters to the Editor Contributing Columnists
LIFE & ARTS Dining Out Faith Briefs The Scene
MARKETPLACE Chicagoly Magazine Issue No. 1 Cutting Values 2016 Private School Guide Real Estate Classifieds
CURRENT PLUS Member Benefits Digital Paper
Home / News / School
New Trier hosts inaugural all-day seminar on race
Pulitzer Prize-winning writer Isabel Wilkerson, author of “The Warmth of Other Suns,” delivers a keynote address to
students Jan. 18 during New Trier High School’s MLK Seminar Day on Race.
Most Viewed
1.
Splatter of fun
2. New athletic director hired on for three-year contract 3.
Greeley students show wearing is caring
4.
Boys Hockey: Ramblers ‘gold line’ shines in shutout win
5.
Wrestling: Trevs clinch conference title
View More
e
Libby Elliott, Staff Writer 6:00 am CST January 26, 2016 Share +
While other local area schools were closed on Jan. 18 in observance of Martin Luther King
Jr. Day, New Trier remained open to compensate for a compressed 2015-16 academic calendar put in place to accommodate ongoing construction at the school’s east campus in Winnetka. In lieu of regular classes, however, students on both the east and west campuses attended an all-day seminar exploring issues of race and racial identity. “The early summer release has forced us to eliminate singular holidays this year,” Assistant Superintendent of Student Services, Tim Hayes, said. “But we felt strongly that Martin Luther King Jr. Day should not be just another school day. We wanted to honor his legacy as a civil rights leader and activist for racial justice.” The day’s agenda included a keynote speech by Pulitzer Prize winner Isabel Wilkerson, author of “The Warmth of Other Suns,” a chronicle of the Great Migration of AfricanAmericans from the South during the 20th Century. Meanwhile, on the Northfield Campus, Ilyasah Shabazz spoke to freshmen about her experience growing up as the youngest daughter of civil rights leader Malcolm X. In addition to attending one keynote session, pupils participated in two small group seminars of their choice from a list of more than 60 topics ranging from the portrayal of minorities in TV dramas to Jackie Robinson and The Harlem Renaissance. A mixture of faculty, students and outside presenters led the discussions. Gracee Wallach, a New Trier senior, is active in Student Voices in Equity, a campus group that played a large role in working alongside school faculty and staff to organize the day. As a member of this group, Wallach was invited to facilitate a seminar entitled “Intersections: Where Race and Gender Connect,” attended by 35 students. “In a community that is predominantly white, issues of race and privilege often don’t enter the classroom,” she said. “The ultimate goal of this event was to create a safe space where students can talk about race and explore issues that shape our understanding of the world.” Although official records indicate that attendance rates on Jan. 18 were between 66-70 percent — which administrators say is typical of a non-academic day at New Trier — Wallach and other organizers had been worried that student turnout would be low. Emmanuelle Haye, a minority student at New Trier and member of the Black Students Alliance, however, declared the day a great success.
“Students who attended gained multiple perspectives and were able to step outside themselves and view our school and the world through a different lens,” she said. The MLK Seminar Day on Race, which was closed to the press and outside spectators, was part of New Trier’s ongoing work toward equity and global citizenship, which includes goals outlined in the district’s last strategic plan. According to school statistics, 83 percent of New Trier’s student body is white with black students representing just 0.8 percent of the population. “I have received the best education any high school could provide, but at the same time, the lack of diversity can make it hard,” Haye said. “If minority students are not bold with our voices, we can be lost in the crowd. With this event, New Trier has shown its willingness to let those voices beheard.”
Add comment You're currently logged in as: Libby Elliott Comment
Comment
Preview
More from The Winnetka Current Girls Bowling: Trevians turn tables on Ramblers for win North Shore native shines at sketch comedy festival Regina student volunteers at home, abroad, wins scholarship contest Strand proposes to keep stormwater west instead of moving east in tunnel New Trier hosts inaugural all-day seminar on race Girls Basketball: Raiders stop two-game skid
Publications Chicago Southwest The Frankfort Station The Homer Horizon The Lockport Legend The Mokena Messenger The New Lenox Patriot The Orland Park Prairie The Tinley Junction
Chicago North Shore The Glencoe Anchor The Glenview Lantern The Highland Park Landmark The Lake Forest Leader The Northbrook Tower The Wilmette Beacon The Winnetka Current
Company West Coast Malibu Surfside News
22nd Century Media About Us Contact Us Advertise With Us Careers
© Copyright 2016, 22nd Century Media, LLC. All rights reserved.
Terms of Use
Privacy Policy
Code Of Conduct
