Clubs are known for bringing people together to engage with each other through extracurricular activities. For a lot of people, clubs are a nice way to meet new people who they can relate to and have common interests. One club that embodies this connectedness is the Black Girl Magic club.
Black Girl Magic, a Deep Run club started in the 2022-23 school year, helps students come together and discuss social problems and challenges that Black women face in society.
“It’s a time for us to come together and talk in a space where we don’t have to feel judged and share our thoughts about different things that happen in our school,” junior founder and club President Izzy Arjona said.
Arjona started Black Girl Magic during her sophomore year so that other Black girls would have a place to talk about their experiences with people who may go through the same things as them.
“I wanted to remind the other girls that you don’t need to conform or change just to fit in, instead you can make your own space,” Arjona said.
Arjona’s goal for the club has seemingly been met according to members of the club.
“The club is very welcoming and I feel like I’m not alone when I participate in the discussions,” junior Aaliyah Gonzales said. “I can talk comfortably about things that affect me.”
Black Girl Magic is open to any and every student at Deep Run no matter gender, race, or cultural background. It is a safe space for anyone to come and discuss certain topics that happen within our community or outside of it.
“My favorite thing about Black Girl Magic is the mixture of the different cultures. Even when the guys come, it’s a great place to share our views and discuss our different cultures,” alternative education teacher and club co-sponsor Aja Botts said.
While most topics discussed will relate specifically to Black women and culture, Black Girl Magic is always welcoming to new members of all different backgrounds, including its faculty sponsors.
“When Izzy invited me to become a sponsor for Black Girl Magic, I was completely on board because I wanted to be an ally to the girls in the club,” social studies teacher and club co-sponsor Curt Fritts said. “All the girls are so welcome and open to hear what I say.”
Fritts believes that Black Girl Magic will have a big impact on the school community.
“It’s good to have an environment where people can go and realize that there is something they can do to help people feel more welcome,” Fritts said. “Opening that up can help break down those ugly, nasty things that exist in the shadows and sometimes in the open.”
The Black Girl Magic members are excited about the new school year and hope to continue growing their membership and conversations. If you’re interested in joining, stop by room 209 for more information.
