On Tuesday, March 12, more than 75 Gorham residents arrived at Gorham High School to enjoy dinner and a gallery walk of student artwork, curated around the concept of advocacy. The 2nd annual Eat and Learn event was hosted by Gorham’s Anti-Racism Committee, a subcommittee of the Gorham School Committee.
The Anti-racism committee was formed in 2021, and members include students, community members, school personnel, and school committee members. The committee works to advise policy, curriculum, professional development, and community education, all related to ensuring that Gorham schools and the community are safe and welcoming places for all.
Photo credit: Jenny RutherfordEat and Learn Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion event at Gorham High School
Spearheaded by eight committee members who were tasked with focusing on community education and engagement, this year’s Eat and Learn event invited all Gorham students to create and share artwork that demonstrated a time when they were involved with advocacy. Individuals as well as school groups like Civil Rights Teams and Student Councils provided content for the art exhibit, with all schools represented. Along with many amazing drawings, there were t-shirts with images of civil rights leaders, a tree with words of encouragement constructed out of mixed materials, a mural of handprints, and a video book in which students explained advocacy in their own words.
Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion consultant Dustin Ward of welcomed the community, and invited all in attendance to not only admire the artwork, but to be a participant in creating three collaborative murals, using words, artistic renderings, or collage images to represent advocacy.
Photo credit: Jenny RutherfordNicole Yeo-Fisher, School Committee member and one of the evening’s planners, provided the audience with a historical perspective of the anti-racism committee’s inception and work, and thanked all who participated in the evening. When asked about the event, “I was very proud and blown away by all the student submissions we had that truly spoke to the topic of advocacy,” said Yeo-Fisher. “It was very powerful to see the visual art pieces in different mediums. We had a great turnout with a positive energy. I’m grateful to all the parents, teachers and staff that helped to support our students and this event.”
Gorham Middle School 6th graders and student council members Maddilyn and Brooklyn shared their perspective on the evening, and the art. “It shows people how you can stand up for yourself or others,” said Maddilyn. Brooklin added, “it’s really awesome that people can come here and see how kids and adults show advocacy.”