By Alex Serrano

The Southern Poverty Law Center, a nonprofit legal-advocacy group focused on civil rights, has many chapters across America. So after hosting a screening and discussion of “13th,” a deep-dive documentary on the history of racism in America, students may be wondering how they can get more involved.

In an email to The Beacon, Dorcas Uwase, SMCC student and SPLC organizer, explained the purpose behind an on-campus chapter. “I wanted to create a space where people of different political groups and different opinions are able to actually talk to each other with respect,” she wrote. “Fighting for and bringing awareness to social justice issues in our community and around the world is something that is also needed.”

Because the club will be focused on tackling hot-button issues and racism in particular, all are welcome in order to create an inclusive and multifaceted discussion. “It’s important that we know that we don’t have to agree with someone, but we can come to a mutual understanding” Dorcas wrote. “In the fall we plan on hosting panel discussions [and] workshops that have to do with racism, such as implicit bias.”

The SPLC chapter at SMCC currently meets on Thursdays from 3:30 p.m. to 4:30 p.m. in the third-floor Howe Hall seminar room (South Portland campus).