Introducing Johnston High School's World Cultures Organization

Johnston Senior High School’s World Cultures Organization aims to promote awareness and appreciation of cultural diversity in the school as there are many different nationalities represented by the students and faculty within the community. Their activities include school-wide fundraisers for those in need, historical talks for students, and cultural events open to the public. 

“The World Cultures Organization is beneficial to all students. The club brings everyone together and allows people to embrace their diversity,” said captain Diana Le.

 In November, World Cultures partnered with the Soles4Souls Organization and collected over 40 pairs of shoes through a school shoe drive. Shoes of all styles and colors were sent to aid those suffering from the effects of Hurricane Matthew in Haiti.

In honor of Black History Month in February, The World cultures club recently held a showing of the film Selma for students in the school’s auditorium. The movie depicts the struggle of blacks in America to gain full access to the rights they had been promised during the Civil Rights movement.

In the film, Martin Luther King Jr. and his followers were able to gain the right to vote for President Lyndon B. Johnson through the organization of the Selma Civil Rights March. Participants from all over the nation came together during multiple attempts to march over 50 miles from Selma to Montgomery, Alabama.

After the showing, the students were able to meet Cliff Monteiro, former President of the Providence NAACP and a participant in the 3rd Selma Civil Rights March in 1965 under Dr. King himself.

“We believe every culture is unique and deserves to be shared with others. Word Cultures is able to showcase the variety of customs and backgrounds within our School,” said captain Hillary Rogers.

The World Cultures is far from finished with their activities from this year. The group will put on the second annual International Night at Johnston Senior High School on Thursday, March 9. This event is open to the public with free admission, and will showcase the various cultures represented in the Johnston High School community. The event will include a fashion show, vocal performances, dance performances, and other cultural presentations.