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Speaking Out

T

Carson
Biederman

Special To The
Jewish News

28

he Teen Forum between all
three Walled Lake Schools
has been going on for many
years now, and I feel that it was one
of the most inspiring, influential
and important school events I have
ever participated in.
The March 6 forum consisted of a
panel, containing both students and
community leaders of all genders,
races, religions and backgrounds. I
was fortunate to be a panelist.
Questions about cultural appro-
priation, racial prejudice, religion
and even gun control were all
brought up. Audience members got
to ask questions, voice their opin-
ions and contribute to the wonder-
ful conversations the panel opened
up about. The best part was that we
could all come together and speak
peacefully about the topics that can
be so difficult to discuss.

March 29 • 2018

jn

RAZIK TOMINA

Teen Forum yields understanding
through open, honest dialogue.

Especially in high school, ABOVE: At the Teen Forum, moderator Mojo, a 95.5-FM radio personality, listens to a panelist. The panel
I am sad to say, I think teens included students Jonathon Moffett, Dalesia Malcolm, Chris Hamama, Carson Biederman, Egerton Abulu
and Areeba Maysun, and Father Pierre Konja, Our Lady of Chaldeans Catholic Cathedral, Southfield; Rabbi
are quick to judge each
Jen Lader, Temple Israel, West Bloomfield; and Rev. D. Alexander Bullock, Greater St. Matthew Baptist
other based on their differ-
Church, Detroit.
ences. People spoke about
being profiled based on
their appearance, judgments others (students and clergy) were open to
inspiring. The religious leaders
make about their culture and even
talk about, which was extremely
reminded us that they know we are
eye-opening for not only the audi-
the way they are treated by teach-
the future and are willing to help
ence, but also for me. I think teens
ers.
and support us in the choices we
want to know about those who are
At the surface, all these issues
make to have our voices heard.
different but are too afraid to ask.
seemed so different. When dis-
We as students and as an entire
This panel showed that even the
sected by the panelists, however, it
community want to see less dis-
hard questions, when asked politely crimination and more celebration
became clear that each person on
and in a respectful manner, are
stage had one commonality — we
of who we are because we are all
proudly answered by those who
all had been judged, rejected or
more similar than we are
are passionate about the topics at
discriminated against for who we
different. •
hand.
were. Not who we were on a basic
Carson Biederman of West Bloomfield is a
This is a program I hope will
level, but our roots. The traits that
senior at Walled Lake Central. The Teen
continue for years to come. The
we did not choose, but the ones
Forum, an annual event of Walled Lake
passion, drive and need for change
that were proudly passed down to
described by the panelists and even Schools, is part of the Chaldean News and
us from generations before.
Jewish News Building Community Initiative.
These were issues we panelists
the audience members were truly