Hundreds of students from 37 high schools gathered at the Wegmans Conference Center for the 7th ROC2 Change Student Summit on Race, this time hosted by Brighton High School.
Senior Sonia Zand was one of the organizers for the student-run event.
She says the students are learning about intersectionality, defined as the complex, cumulative manner in which the effects of different forms of discrimination combine, overlap, or intersect.
“Maybe race is in the middle and off of that is gender or sexuality, income, class and that’s how a whole person is defined. How as you look at a person it isn’t always what really is there," she said.
Zand is a member of the Brighton High's Mosaic Club, which promotes awareness of, appreciation for, and engagement in all forms of diversity within Brighton High School and beyond.
Zand says the summit is a very collective and supportive, diverse environment.
Credit Megan Mack WXXI
“Especially what’s great at the summit is they mix you up at tables so you’re sitting with all kinds of people from all kinds school districts so everybody gets a different experience out of the summit,” she said.
The summit had students focus on how they can create stronger schools and communities by supporting all who feel marginalized.