Core Group members

Naquel Perry Jr. ~ I am a 17-year-old senior in High School. Inclusion has always been near and dear to my heart. No one should be judged or discriminated against because of race or gender.

Asianah Gonzalez ~ I’m a junior in high school, I am Puerto Rican and African American. I play basketball and also cheer for our high school football team. I always loved speaking out and sharing my voice. Talking with others around me has never been a struggle for me. I’m a very hard worker and I strive to accomplish my goals despite the obstacles in my way. I am inspired to help others, I hope to one day help a lot of individuals get through various things in life while also making a difference in the way society views race, religion, and sexuality. I want positivity and love because over the past few months there has been a surplus in pain, discrimination, and heartbreak. I know together we can overcome the oppression and all be a unit. Starting with one person at a time, we can make a better community!

Mary Govan ~ Hi there everyone! My name is Mary Govan and I am a 16-year-old sophomore. I am adopted from China. I am the oldest sibling of six (including me) and two of my other siblings are also adopted from China. I am very lucky to be in a bubble that protects me. Whenever I am out and about with my mom, people assume I am with her and, because she is white, they do not challenge me or say something stereotypical about Asians. I have not been out alone, but I can bet you that when I am I will at some point get stopped and challenge me or say something stereotypical. I believe change is needed and change has been needed for quite a while now, but now we are going to do something about it!

Haitham Alazzawe ~ Hey, I'm Haitham Alazzawe and I am 16 years old. I always loved looking at situations and scenarios that are present in the real world from different angles along with different perspectives. It's so boring and bland to look at things through one lens, trying to see it from another eye has a whole new meaning and it can change one’s thought process on not just that certain topic, but it affects other decisions in their life. The same applies to modern-day racism, if you are only seeing your side and not taking the time to look at it, or as they say, "walk a mile in their shoes" then you would know what it feels like on the other end of this hateful injustice. I love playing sports, I'm active in Football, Wrestling, and Lacrosse. I'm a lineman so I know what it feels to be roughed up, and a couple of words wouldn't cut me too deep, but the hate has got to stop, and it needs to NOW!

Paige White ~ Hey, I am Paige White, I am 16 years old, and I am a Junior at Albemarle high school. I was born in Orange County and raised in Charlottesville. I enjoy listening to others the see their points of view on different topics. I am a dancer and I have been dancing for 12 years at Wilson School of Dance. I love making others feel welcome and like they are apart of something. Learning new things can help you have a new perspective on things going on in our world now. I like learning more about the things happening now and how they are affecting the world to come. I hope that this group makes everyone realize that they have a place and that they are welcome and that it is a learning environment.

Jackson Rose ~ I am 16 years old; I am "mixed", even though everyone is, but that's another topic for another time. As you can see I love thinking past the norm, as well as being independent, living life to the fullest, and challenging myself to work as hard as I possibly can to accomplish my dreams, goals, and aspirations! So many follow in the path of their surroundings, staying in a zone they're comfortable with their whole life. This, however, will keep you in the same place and never influence you to change for the better. I challenge everyone to live their own life and learn, even if it’s an uncomfortable situation, conversation, or topic to discuss; we must educate ourselves! We must take care of our mental, physical, and emotional health first, but if we're not giving back to help others where we once were, then we're not doing ourselves or anyone else justice! I play sports and love to be active, always trying to be productive and stay moving. My main sport is basketball and I play Point Guard. Athletes are more than just athletes, the stereotype is that they don't know anything else but how to play a sport. This is simply not true, anyone can be knowledgeable, sports are just something certain people love to do. These "games" teach you lessons, and not meaningless lessons, but truthful, honest, real life lessons. Every time I step on the court, or anywhere for that matter, I try to be the best I can be at all times, and find joy in the processes, the challenges, and the competitions. I also love to create many other types of art, such as making /producing music, drawing, cooking, editing, and learning different activities in general. I feel it is in my blood to make a change, I feel the same way for you too!