This year, 77 middle and high school students along with 13 chaperones from 12 different communities across the state attended an event that celebrated diversity and inclusion. The communities represented at the event included Ashland, Green Bay, Oneida, Shawano, and Appleton. Tribal nations also attended, including Oneida, Stockbridge-Munsee, Ho-Chunk, Ojibwe, Menominee, and Potawatomi.
The day began with drumming and singing from the Twin Tails Singers before opening remarks from Danielle Yancey, the director of NACHP. Yancey encouraged the students in attendance to embrace their individuality and strive for excellence in all areas of their lives.
Students were introduced to Alaqua Cox, who is deaf and an amputee. Cox shared her experiences with the students and gave a mini-lesson on American Sign Language for common phrases. She emphasized the importance of representation for individuals with disabilities in the media industry. Through her interpreter, Kenturah Holiday, Cox expressed her gratitude for breaking barriers and paving the way for greater diversity in entertainment.
Cox’s presence at the event inspired students by showcasing the importance of inclusion and acceptance in all areas of society. Growing up, she did not see individuals who looked like her or who were deaf onscreen. Her role as Maya Lopez/Echo in Marvel Cinematic Universe’s Disney+ series “Hawkeye” has allowed her to share her experiences with others who may face similar challenges in their own lives.
In conclusion, this year’s event brought together young minds from different backgrounds to celebrate diversity and inclusion. It provided an opportunity for them to learn about different cultures while also inspiring them to embrace their own individuality. Alaqua Cox’s message about representation was particularly impactful as she highlighted how important it is for individuals with disabilities to have a voice in mainstream media.
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