Ben Strand/ Winonan

Fortitude, a Winona Senior High School social justice group, is hoping their inclusive message reaches the larger community.

The group hosted a follow-up discussion April 11 about the issues explored in the play “We are the Other America, A Dream Deferred” put on by Winona Senior High School in February at the Winona History Center.

The play took on several issues, including race, gender stereotypes, sexism and homophobia, all of which are issues people need to be more conscious of and need to discuss more, according to Frederick Lee, a professor at Winona State University,

“We have to make people more aware of these issues and think beyond their comfort zone, past the tips of their noses, and they need to be discussed on a regular basis,” Lee said.

Nicholas Wysocki, who also teaches at Winona State, said these sorts of events are important because it gives people a chance to come together and work toward solutions.

“You get to meet new people, make new connections and learn to work better together with others toward a more inclusive community,” Wysocki said.

According to Wysocki, it is necessary for people of all race, culture and gender learn to understand each other because when there is a social disconnect it is harder to relate with other people.

Brad Masche, a teacher at Winona Senior High School, said we’ve come a long way, but there is still much more ground to tackle.

“The discussions that take place today are a great way to continue progressing as a culture,” Masche said.

Wysocki added that people can be given tools through these discussions to see the world in new ways.

Lee said people, especially Caucasian people, need to be aware of the significant issues in minority cultures that have been downplayed because people do not think about them.

Wysocki said it is not just the current generation these issues are being fought for but the next generation and all future generations.

“We’re all on this knowledge development journey together, and the more knowledge we acquire, the better questions we can ask,” Wysocki said.

One thing Lee emphasized is people have to be held accountable for their actions and understand that people can’t be told they are racist.

Instead, Lee said, they need to understand the issues of the world today.

“We hope to create a more inclusive community, a safer community,” Masche said. “Everyone should feel included.”