LAFAYETTE, Ind. (WLFI)--A group of high school students learned the importance of diversity.

The program I Matter: Continuing Our Story focuses on opening discussions between different cultures. Greater Lafayette Black Expo partnered together with The African American Leaders of Tomorrow for the program. 

The high school group of student leaders hosted their 2nd annual I Matter conference at McCutcheon High School. Students were able to openly talk about their concerns regarding race, discrimination, inequality and how to appropriately respond to law enforcement.

President Monica Keyes said these discussions will carry on outside of Saturday's discussion.

"This group will take this back to their peers, the concepts that were shared here today," Keyes said. "So we're excited about what happened last year and to continue the story again this year."

The program last year, Writing Our Story, was the beginning of the discussion. With this year's theme appropriately titled: Continuing Our Story, those in attendance are taking what they've learned so far, and apply that knowledge to teach others.

Junior Machi Jones said these events should happen more often.

"Instead of a yearly thing, maybe monthly, I think it should be taught in schools," Jones said. "Not only just about our history and politics, we should learn about the culture and how humans are humans."

Greater Lafayette Black Expo is planning another event for the fall. They also have a monthly membership meeting at the beginning of every month. More information on their upcoming events can be found here.