February is the month to celebrate Black excellence, culture, and history. In Minnetonka, the minority of students and faculty are people of color. Both clubs, Women and Men of Color, inspire students to come together to spread a positive message of equality and tolerance for all students in Minnetonka High School, especially those affected by racism.

Minnetonka Senior Max Collier started attending the Men of Color group when he was a freshman at the school. “The group benefits me because it allows me to connect to people of my diversity,” Max says, “It [also] benefits my peers because it allows us as a group to connect with other clubs in the school and make those connections we might not make without the club.” 

The Men of Color group meets every other Friday on a rotating hour schedule, and is open to any student, regardless of race, that attends Minnetonka High School. 

In the politically charged time the United States is facing, it is important to remind ourselves of the what the United States of America is truly about: equality for all. The Declaration of Independence announced that “We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable Rights, that among these are Life, Liberty, and the Pursuit of Happiness.” Even if this message is only spread on on a smaller, more local approach, it is still reaching the people who need to hear it.

When asked about the message put forth by the Men of Color group, Max Collier stated, “We would like the students of Minnetonka to know that we hope that each and every person at the school wants to work for the same goal of equality.” Max also clarified that “equality doesn’t mean that we all need to be the same, it just means that every person – no matter what race – should have equal rights.” 

The Men and Women of Color at our school represent more than just a minority group. They are leaders and courageous individuals banding together to create a more accepting environment that encourages a message of equality and success for all people. It is important to spread such a message, especially when the division between the people of America is so prominent.

Having a place to share experiences, thoughts, and ideas between individuals that value and celebrate diversity is essential during times like these. Right now, there are people who are afraid or uncomfortable expressing their religious or cultural beliefs, and having groups like Women and Men of Color is like shelter in the storm sweeping across the student body.

The United States is a country built upon the principles of freedom and equality for all. Even if recently these principles may be threatened for some citizens, Minnetonka Students of Color work together to invest their time, resources, and thoughts into creating a much-needed group that focuses on spreading and upholding the essential values of an America that students can safely say they are proud to be apart of.