Layout by: Jianing (Jennifer) Lin ’24
SALMAGUNDY The Official Student Newpaper of Miss Porter’s School Winter 2024
NEWS SALMAGUNDY
INSIDE THE BUBBLE
Porter’s Celebrates Martin Luther King Jr. Day By Rosa Yao ’25 Staff Writer
The 2024 Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Day fell on Monday, January 15th. After months of planning, the Office of Equity and Inclusion and the Student MLK Planning Committee titled the community day “Black And…,” with themes emphasizing Dr. King’s mission to uplift the intersectionality, education, and endless beauty of Black identities. The day was kicked off in the Hacker Theatre, with an introduction by Katie Johnson ’27, a Journey Talk by Sophia Serile Yam ’27, a Poetry Performance by Yaya Blake ’24, and a dance performance by Princess Moore ’26, Genesis Lewis ’26, Summer-Zaire Bell ’26, Sophia Serile Yam ’27, Shannen Penn ’27, Katie Johnson ’27, and Ava Johnson ’27. Throughout the day, student-led workshops delved into unique aspects of Black culture. For example, “Black And Behind the Scenes” explored Black filmmakers’ influence in the movie industry. “Black And Yum” displayed the importance of food, specifically cornbread, in bringing Black communities together. “Black And B.O.L.D. (Brave, Outreaching, Limit- The Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Planning Committee less, Diverse)” focused on the role of art in Black culture. Photo Credit: Stephen Wang via Miss Porter’s School After the community day, Jamiah Bennett and ashley amoabeng, faculty appreciate a group of people and an honorable culture.
members of the MLK Community Day Planning Community, shared their experience with the day as well as their appreciation to the student body Jamiah: I’ve heard that Black people are sharing our stories, we are just not being listened to. So I think one of the most important aspects of the and the Planning Committee. MLK Community Day is highlighting and uplifting voices of Black people who often are marginalized for a variety of reasons. The Community Day Q: What are the visions of the MLK Community Day? -What is the provides an intentional dedicated time for people to listen to Black voices and the experiences that come with that identity. purpose of having an MLK Day? ashley: The theme of “Black And…” was curated by the student-led planning committee. The goal for MLK Community Day is to center MLK and provide flexibility in defining what it means to be capital B, “Black”. The inclusion of the ellipsis “Black And…” connects to MLK’s dream of having Black people being seen as more than just Black. The purpose of this community day is to celebrate and explore the multitude of intersectionality that is part of the Black experience.
Q: What do you think of the student body and the MLK committee’s performance that day? ashley: The MLK Planning Committee truly put in a lot of hard work and effort in making sure this day was a success. From creating the schedule, planning the opening and conclusion, and creating the lunch menu with FLIK, students had a hand in each part of the decision-making process. I want to give a shoutout to all the members of the planning committee, as well as the members of OEI to see this day into fruition. Thank you to the members of the community for being engaged and having thoughtful discussions in the workshops and the advisory. I hope you enjoy this day as much as I did.
Jamiah: There are two main purposes of having an MLK Community Day: one, to bring the community together; two, to honor the work of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. We formalized our vision to honor those two purposes by having conversations with the student body [during which] we not only focused on his nonviolent pedagogy and practices, but also his Jamiah: I was proud to witness their vision come to life. I’ve received a emphasis on the intersectionality of Black identities. lot of positive feedback from students across the campus about their expeQ: What is the most important aspect, in your opinion, about MLK riences and the day. Many have thought the student works were uplifting and empowering the joy of Black identity. Typically, hosting and engaging Day? How did those aspects impact the MLK Day planning? ashley: I think the most important part of the MLK community day is to in activities and events like this could be heavy and intense. However, the come in with an open mind and an open heart. You have to be willing to student performances for our MLK Community Day this year showcased learn and grow, have tough conversations, and cherish the moments of joy the positive and exciting aspects of Black identity and experience. I think of Black culture. This day is about letting go of ignorance and prejudice to they did a great job of focusing on the positives.
Day Students Say More Snow Days Needed to Ensure Safety By Beatrice Kibler’26 & Annabelle Horst ’26 Staff Writer & Inside the Bubble News Editor
A student plays in the snow on a rare snow day at Miss Porter’s. Farmington received about 15 inches of snow on Feb. 13. Photo Credit: Beatrice Kibler’26
Snow is a beloved winter delight by the Porter’s community. Students take pictures around the snow-covered campus, throw snowballs around with their friends, sled at the Hillstead, and even make snow cones. However, the excitement of the snow often dies down with the realization that there would not be a snow day. There has been a snow day, and on many occasions, a snow day may have been permissible. Snow days benefit Porter’s by giving a needed day off as well as ensuring the safety of many valued community members. When school is still held in icy conditions, the priorities of the administration are questioned.