The Mahopac High School Racial Inclusion Cultural Empowerment (RICE) and Model United Nations clubs teamed up for a unique event featuring a screening of the HBO Original film “1000% Me: Growing Up Mixed” followed by a thoughtful panel discussion and a livestreamed authors’ event.
RICE Club adviser Tricia Johnson and Model UN Club advisers Christine Honohan and Chris Ford kicked off the day with an engaging icebreaker activity called Diversity Bingo. It allowed students to interact with one another and learn more about their peers. Participants walked around the room to find someone who could match the description on their bingo card, such as “someone who speaks a language other than English fluently” or “someone who is left-handed.” The activity sparked lively conversations and set the stage for a day of reflection and connection.
Following the icebreaker activity, the students gathered to watch “1000% Me: Growing Up Mixed,” a documentary that provided an insightful and heartfelt exploration of identity, race and cultural background through the eyes of mixed-race children. It also offered a powerful approach to understanding the complexities of growing up with multiple cultural identities. After the screening, students from both clubs participated in a deep and engaging discussion on the film’s key themes, such as civil rights, social-emotional learning and the role of storytelling in shaping our understanding of identity.
“Activities like these create a space for students to reflect on their own identities and how they relate to the larger world,” Johnson said. “By sharing these stories, we not only help foster empathy and understanding but also empower our students to embrace the diversity that surrounds them.”
The day continued with a livestreamed broadcast of Facing History & Ourselves’ “Borders and Belonging: An All Community Read Authors Event” featuring Safia Elhillo, author of “Home is Not a Country” and Reyna Grande, author of “The Distance Between Us.” Both authors shared their personal journeys of navigating between cultures while searching for a sense of belonging. They explored how visible and invisible borders shape one’s connection to identity and community and answered thoughtful questions from the students.
The collaborative program provided a valuable supplement to the language arts and history curriculum, connecting to themes in American history, government, and English language and composition. By exploring social justice issues through personal stories, the students gained a deeper understanding of the challenges faced by mixed-race individuals and the importance of embracing diversity in our society.
The event provided a meaningful opportunity for students to engage with critical social issues, reflect on their own identities and deepen their appreciation for diversity in the world around them.
