The 2024 Carl C. Bell Memorial Award Winning Essay
By Sirri Wanki

Growing up in the suburbs of Chicago, African American culture is extremely prevalent, causing it to have a significant influence on suburban culture. While it is undoubtedly inspiring to see the expression of African American culture throughout my community, I frequently find it overshadowing other black cultures whether it is African, Caribbean, AfroLatina, etc. Therefore, in order to assimilate to the concepts, norms, and traditions of the large African American community, the significance of other black communities is overlooked and underappreciated. Thus, instead of embracing a diaspora of the black race, we are huddled into one umbrella which fails to fully showcase our uniqueness.

In my own experience, as a child of first-generation immigrants from central Africa, I often recognize myself dismissing my own culture in order to feel included and indistinguishable. This is extremely problematic because while I fail to display my own heritage, I notice that students in my school who are African American find ease in expressing themselves. For me on the other hand, I only feel comfortable displaying my "africanness" around our very small community of africans-- that is, if they aren't too embarrassed to welcome my comfortability in the first place, which is a problem in itself. Nevertheless, regardless of the minute size of the African community here in the suburbs, we cannot expect other ethnicities to embrace and accept our culture if we do not initially do so.

Accordingly, to approach this issue, this semester I worked to organize an African Student Association Club at my high school in which not only can African students in my community learn to appreciate their background, but students of other ethnicities can learn more about Africa as well. The addition of this club to our school will hopefully create a more welcoming atmosphere and reinstate the principle that every single heritage, ethnicity, or background is worth acknowledging and embracing no matter the proportion of the population.

I uphold that culture is a vital component of identity, so it only disadvantages us more when we suppress it. I look forward to continuing my involvement in ASA in college, or initiating one if the club does not already exist. I have realized that being in touch with my culture is an immense part of my identity, and in doing so I think it will definitely set me up for utmost success as I can use it to my advantage rather than seeing it as an inconvenience or viewing myself as an odd-ball. Throughout my entire life, code-switching, adapting to new environments that are different from my household, helping my immigrant family members adapt to life in the western world, etc, have all instilled traits and skills in me that are sure to contribute to my success entering college, and eventually the workforce. For this reason, encouraging others to seek interest in learning about people who are different from them is something that my community, or anyone else could benefit from not only academically but in all other aspects of life.

Sirri Wanki Bio:

Sirri is now a freshman at Indiana University, entering the Pre-Business program at the Kelley School of Business with plans to major in finance and later pursue a career in corporate law. Her passion for entrepreneurship began with founding and running her own hair-braiding business, where she gained valuable skills in customer service, marketing, and time management. She plans to use her background in finance to promote financial literacy - empowering individuals to make informed decisions that improve their daily lives. Sirri is committed to leadership, innovation, and making a positive impact in both the business world and in her community.

Second Place Winner:
Daniel Martinez
Grade 12 | Age 18
Thornwood High School
Thornton, IL

Third Place Winner:
Addison Haughian
Grade 12 | Age 18
Plainfield East High School
Plainfield, IL