Out of the 2,900+ students attending Channelview High School, 46% of us are women, 10.6% of us are African-American, and only 4.93% of us are both: roughly 143.

Throughout my high school years as a young African-American girl in a school where few others looked like me, I waited patiently for a space where I could be surrounded by more black girls who shared my passions and would grow together as a team. I hoped for a place where we could express ourselves, succeed, and thrive: one that would simply appear. But I’ve since learned that closed mouths don’t get fed, so I’ve decided to take matters into my own hands. Majorette isn’t just a style of dance; it’s a cultural tradition rooted in African-American history that offers a vibrant, exciting way to celebrate our heritage, individuality, and passion. The formation of a Majorette group would not take away from our existing drill or cheer teams, as I hope to collaborate with both of them. I am envisioning a space with a Majorette team; one that will give more girls who love dance the chance to be culturally represented while creating something beautiful. I want to create this space for the students at Channelview who may be waiting for the same opportunity as I once did.

Beyond providing a platform for student expression, the positive effects of integrating such a dance team extend to academics. Research shows that students who participate in extracurricular activities, such as dance, have a 15% higher class attendance rate and are more likely to graduate high school (American Educational Research Journal). 

I ask the school administration to acknowledge this need and take action to establish a Majorette Dance Team at Channelview High School. Please consider this request not just from a cultural perspective but also from an educational standpoint. Join us in representing all facets of our diverse student community. Please sign this petition to show your support for the creation of our school's Majorette Dance Team. :)