CanWeTalk is a student-led club aimed at giving a voice to students of color who feel unable to speak out against injustices in school. The group, which has been a club at Free State for 15 years, seeks to encourage members to advocate for themselves. President, senior Amari Rogers, emphasizes the importance of the club in providing a supportive community for students.

“I think [CWT is] bettering the community for students to have a place where they can see other people who look like them, and know they’re not alone.”

According to usnews.com, 68.8% of Free State students are white, while the other 31.2% are minorities. CWT advisor Demetrius Kemp voices to challenge the status quo as he notes that Free State has a history of unfair treatment towards mainly non-white students.

“[Free State] is one of the perfect places for [CWT] to be, because if you don’t know you’re doing something, you’re not going to stop doing it,” Kemp said. “It challenges what [non-minority students are] used to doing, and it holds them accountable.”

CWT also focuses on history such as civil rights and racial issues happening in the school to prevent past mistakes from being repeated. The club organizes things like field trips to HBCUs, volunteering and community service projects and Black History Month celebrations.

“We’re trying to bring more attention [to CWT] and trying to show people there’s a place where you can go to see people like you,” Kemp said.

The group is recruiting new members for the upcoming year and is open to all students, regardless of race, to promote dialogue and support. Group member Shaun Stanford (12) expressed the significance of a club like this at Free State.

“I’ve seen CWT impact students in many different ways. It not only surrounded me with other students that relate to me and my struggles, but our club leader [Kemp] plays a big part in the group,” Stanford said. “It’s an important part of the community in Free State.”