My Sister’s Keeper (MSK) and My Brother’s Keeper (MBK) are defined as “clubs that address persistent opportunity gaps faced by young men and women of color and ensure that all young people can reach their full potential,” according to the organization’s website. The two clubs have been uniting Northwood’s Black student population for more than 5 years through meetings that happen on Fridays during Plus 1 and activities to promote connection.
To senior co-president Airryn Wharton, MSK and MBK play a crucial role in making the minority groups of Northwood feel visible and connected.
“I think MSK and MBK are important because as Black students at Northwood, we are a minority group, there’s already a stereotype of Black students in general, and MSK [and] MBK help us get to know each other more and not be afraid to talk to each other, ”Wharton said. “The stereotype has to do a lot with grades and learning, like Black students not necessarily being as involved in school life.”
Senior and co-president Kalena Delgado agrees, explaining that this stereotype of Black students in high school can be damaging to many teenagers.
“We’re trying to make a good community for our Black students at Northwood and fight that stereotype,” Delgado said. “Even if you’re not in the club, it’s good to see that there are people like you who go to our school and who are involved.”
In the future, MSK and MBK plan to tour a historically black college and university (HBCU), as well as plan a product drive for homeless shelters across the county.
Both Wharton and Delgado are seniors, meaning that this is their last year running the clubs. For both presidents, there’s one thing that they hope future generations of MSK and MBK members continue.
“I hope that future generations will carry on the legacy of MSK or MBK by continuing to create a good platform [for Black students] ,” Wharton said. “And to make sure all the minority students at Northwood are able to come together.”
