Between crowded hallways, packed classrooms, and busy schedules, it is easy for students at Lincoln Southeast High School to feel like they do not quite fit in. For some students, especially students of color, that feeling can become even stronger when they don’t always see people who share similar backgrounds or experiences. School can sometimes feel overwhelming, and finding a place where you feel accepted can make a huge difference. But one group inside the school is working to change that by creating a space where students can connect and feel comfortable being themselves.
The African American Forum is more than just another school club. It is a place where students can relax, connect with others, and feel understood by people who may share similar experiences.
Members say the group gives them a chance to express themselves openly while also learning more about different cultures, perspectives, and experiences within their community. For many students, it has become one of the few places in school where they feel fully accepted and supported without having to hide who they are.
Teacher Carol Moravec, who helps support the group, said the goal is simple but meaningful. “In general, the group that we have here helps students know they aren’t alone in their experiences,” she said. She explained that the club creates a safe and welcoming environment where minority students can come together, build friendships, and support one another through shared experiences. Moravec also said the group hopes to encourage understanding throughout the school by helping students learn from each other and celebrate different cultures together.
Students who feel like they’re the only one of their background in hallways and classrooms, have a place to feel like they belong.
“You have students at LSE that feel like they’re the only ones in the classroom,” she said. “This gives them a place to come together and feel more comfortable.”
That sense of comfort can make a big difference in a student’s day. Even having one class period or meeting where they feel understood can help students feel more confident in other parts of school. It also gives students a chance to build friendships with people who may share similar experiences and understand what they are going through. For many students, the group becomes more than just a club, it becomes a support system they can rely on during stressful or difficult times. Having a space where they feel accepted can help students participate more in school activities, speak up in class, and feel more connected to the school community overall.
One of the biggest highlights of the year is Black History Month. During this time, students work on projects that focus on important people, events, and topics in Black history. Sophomore T’kajia Moore said it’s something she looks forward to every year.
“For Black History Month, we do posters and things, and we research different Black history. We’ve looked at historically Black colleges and different topics like that,” Moore said.
These projects give students a chance to learn more about their culture while also sharing that knowledge with others. It’s not just about completing an assignment, it’s about understanding history in a more personal way.
The African American Forum also makes space for conversations that don’t always happen in regular classes. These discussions can be about culture, identity or everyday topics that are often overlooked.
Last year in 2025 one of the meeting were targeted on hair care, where staff members brought in different products to try them out. It was a simple activity, but it had a big impact.
“We had a session where we brought in hair products and people tried things on their hair,” Moravec said. “It’s about doing things that are specific to their culture.”
Activities like this might seem small, but they help students feel seen, heard, and represented in a school environment where that does not always happen. In many schools, conversations about culture and identity are often overlooked, which can leave students feeling disconnected from important parts of who they are.
The group gives students a safe place to talk openly, support each other, and celebrate their backgrounds together. By creating that kind of environment, the African American Forum helps students build confidence, friendships, and a stronger sense of belonging within the school community.
Being in Lincoln, Nebraska, can make spaces like this even more important because diversity is not always highly visible in every part of the city. Some students may feel disconnected from their culture or feel like there are not many people around them who share similar experiences.
Having a club where students can relate to one another helps create a stronger sense of community and understanding. It also gives students an opportunity to learn from each other and feel more comfortable expressing themselves.
Moravec said that is something the group tries to address through discussions, activities, and events focused on Black culture and student experiences.
“Being in Lincoln, sometimes it can be a challenge, so they want to do things that are specific to Black culture,” she said.
She explained that the club is meant to make students feel welcomed and supported while also educating others about different perspectives. including for students, taking on these roles can help build confidence and responsibility. It also gives them a chance to have a real impact on something that matters to them.
Like many student organizations, the African American Forum still faces challenges. One of the biggest is getting more students involved and keeping attendance consistent.
Moore said participation is something the group is still working on. “Challenges would be spreading the word and trying to get more people to participate,” she said. At the same time, the group wants to reach more students who could benefit from being part of it.
Because students graduate, there’s always a need for new leaders to step up and continue the work.
“The challenges are attendance and leadership,” she said. “Over the years, it’s been a continuation of leadership.
“Even with these challenges, the group is focused on the future. Members have been talking about new ideas and events that could bring more students in and strengthen the sense of community.
“[The students] want to have things like a spirit week and a family cookout,” Moravec said.
The group is also hoping to bring in guest speakers and possibly organize visits to historically Black colleges. These opportunities could help students learn more about their future and see what’s possible after high school.
At its core, the African American Forum is about connection and giving students a place where they feel like they belong.
“I think it’s always a good thing for people with like minds and backgrounds to come together and share their stories,” Moravec said. “Not everybody’s going to have the same experience.”
For Moore, the group is also about encouraging others to take that first step and get involved.
“I’d hope that more people would join and participate,” she said. “Join the club, help participate and spread the word.”
In a school where it can sometimes be hard to find your place, the African American Forum is helping students do exactly that. For the students who are part of it, it’s not just a club – it’s a community.
