The Multi-Cultural Diversity Club

Diversity has always been an important part of one’s individual identity.  The diversity club advisor and creative director at Damien Memorial School has always valued their cultural roots and others backgrounds. The purpose of their club is to promote awareness of diversity. In doing this, it unites all cultures from different backgrounds to share their misconceptions they faced. The club President, J.Jr Pastor-Anakaneto – and the Vice President, Chloe Costa – have shared their cultural struggles while attending Damien Memorial School. Therefore, their structural struggles led to creating a powerful club for all students to feel comfortable in their skin. 

The Club President, J.Jr Pastor, had shared his cultural struggles as he transitioned from a public to private school during his freshman year. First arriving here at Damien was tough. He didn’t have the best experience especially with the racial slurs, constant micro-aggressions, and “firsthand racism” he battled.  He wanted to let others know of his experiences and “how to deal with it.” With that, he found a way through it – he created the Multicultural Diversity Club, “to bring awareness” and to “inform the kids at our school on issues that different cultures go through.”  

The club did start off small, around “five people” were in the club. But, after the Damien Club Rush, the club gained over twenty club members. They did fun activities and went around the class for each student to share their backgrounds. Each student would create a presentation of their culture – sharing their backgrounds to other members.  One of the president's favorite activities was where students would take turns bringing foods from their culture. He said his favorite was Amanda Skelton’s Samoan cuisine; sapasui. They had many different dishes such as Puerto rican rice and Micronesian desserts. 

Through this club, students were able to speak and trust their voices. The club is open to all people, and everyone has the ability to speak freely of their injustices and struggles. The president shared that he doesn't want students to be “ashamed or afraid.” Rather, students express themselves. With that, he hopes to get approval for a Cultural Day at school and to create a club field trip to Hilo, Hawai’i. In Hilo, he wants to see the other side of the island, as well as help at the taro patches, and explore “more of the Hawaiian culture.”  It would be an exciting day, and traveling to other islands would be a great experience because every island is different. Despite being in the same region.

Members of the club shared their favorite moments and activities while attending the meetings. Two seniors at Damien: Amanda Skelton and Bradley Agustin – expressed their feelings. Bradley Agustin says his favorite dish was the gandule rice. Also, he learned about Puerto Rican culture through the Vice President, Chloe Costa. Amanda’s favorite dish was also the gandule rice. She shared how important it is to “understand multiple cultures instead of just one.”

There are so many injustices and struggles one faces with identity. However, this club allows students to empower themselves; feel proud of their backgrounds – to see that you are not alone in these battles. As J.Jr Pastor has said, don’t be embarrassed, be proud. Culture is important in every aspect. Those encouragement alone, promotes diversity. And that’s what the Multicultural club is about; empowerment.