Words of the Month: Empathy vs Sympathy
Both empathy and sympathy are crucial in supporting others, but it's important to understand their distinct differences. Empathy means genuinely understanding and sharing someone's feelings by putting yourself in their shoes. Sympathy means acknowledging someone's pain and feeling sorry for them from a distance. Empathy is about connection while Sympathy is about kindness.
Note: Checking in with someone before diving into empathy is always a good idea! Some people might not be ready to open up or prefer to may prefer to keep their feelings private. Asking someone, "Would you like to talk about it?" or "How can I support you?" can go a long way. This way, you show that you respect their boundaries and offer your support in a way that feels right for them, empowering them to choose how they want to receive support.
DEIG COMMITMENTS
In this section of our newsletter, we highlight our DEIG commitments: Engagement, Self-reflection, Equitable Learning, Meaningful Relationships, and Transparency.
Commitment #1
In our previous newsletter, we asked the community what engagement at BB&N means to them. On the right are some of the responses we received:
Commitment #2
In this month's newsletter, we address our commitment to self reflection- Fostering a practice of critical self-reflection that invites individual and communal examination of our position, power, and privilege. Watch as LS DEIG practitioner, Emma Arky Solomon, explains this commitment in more detail .
What does 'self-reflection' mean to you? Please share your thoughts through this form
BLACK HISTORY MONTH RECAP
As March begins, we take a moment to reflect on the meaningful stories, discussions, and celebrations that took place in February during Black History Month. The theme this year, African Americans and Labor, emphasizes the crucial contributions of Black workers in shaping various industries, advocating for workers’ rights, and laying the foundation of our economy.
This month has underscored an essential reality: Black history is an integral part of American history that deserves recognition, respect, and comprehensive education throughout the entire year. As Black History Month comes to a close, our dedication to celebrating Black excellence, elevating Black voices, and nurturing a more inclusive community remains steadfast. The narrative of Black history is rich with resilience, creativity, and joy, reflecting the vibrant spirit of Black communities throughout the African Diaspora. Let’s move forward with the insights we've gained, remain engaged with the stories of Black leaders and pioneers, and continue celebrating the diversity within Black identities. Thank you for being part of this important month of recognition. Below are highlights and features of the different events and celebrations that took place across all three campuses these last two months.
As we step into March, we welcome Women's History Month, a time to honor women's contributions, achievements, and resilience throughout history and in our communities today. It is an opportunity to recognize the trailblazers who have shaped society and to uplift the voices of women and girls striving for equity and justice. March also marks the beginning of Ramadan this year, a sacred month of fasting, reflection, and community observed by Muslims worldwide. We extend our best wishes to all observing and encourage our community to learn more about the significance of this holy month. May this be a time of growth, appreciation, and solidarity for all.
Photo: A detail of visiting innovator Rob Problak's "Breathe Life 1" mural in Roxbury.
FEATURES
US community Day 2025
On February 14, the Upper School came together for Community Day 2025, a student-designed initiative created in collaboration with faculty and community members. This annual tradition brought together over 600 students, faculty, and administrators for a day dedicated to fostering connection, meaningful conversations, and moments where every student felt seen, valued, and heard. This year's theme, Dreams. Passions. Growth., set the stage for an inspiring day filled with interactive workshops, friendly competition, and plenty of fun. The day kicked off with a series of high-energy games during assembly, including a mattress relay, oreo balancing challenge, cup reflex game, and Red Light-Green Light, with exciting prizes up for grabs. Students then had the opportunity to choose from over 70 workshops, a significant increase from last year's 50, ranging from discussion-based sessions to creative and debate-focused activities. The day concluded with a spirited game of dodgeball, bringing everyone together for a final burst of energy and fun. The success of Community Day would not have been possible without the dedication of our student leaders (mentioned below), who began planning as early as October, gathering feedback and shaping the experience, and our planning committee, who joined later to support marketing and communication efforts. Thank you, too, to our lead faculty advisor, Maria Graciela Alcid, for her invaluable guidance. Finally, we can't forget our beloved mascot, Knight Light, designed by student leader Jaiden Douglin, which added to the spirit and excitement of the day. Thank you to everyone who contributed to making Community Day 2025 such a resounding success. We exceeded our goals and created a truly unforgettable experience!
(Community Day student leaders) Avery Hart (25') Jaiden Douglin (25') Ekram Shemsu (25') Rockie Yewendwossen (25') Sabina Kaba (26') Ethan Ortega (26') Princess Adeoye (27')
US Black history month Speaker, Dajae Williams
Earlier in Febraury, we welcomed Dajae Williams to celebrate Black excellence, innovation, and resilience. Dajae Williams, a multi-hyphenate hailing from St. Louis, Missouri, is a former NASA engineer and professor who is now a STEM-based hip-hop artist. Dajae is known for her journey to becoming the “Accidental Rocket Scientist” and for her ability to translate math and science into catchy hip-hop songs that have been featured on NPR, CBS, CNN, FOX News, and the Kelly Clarkson Show. As an underrepresented minority in STEM, Dajae embodies resilience and determination, breaking barriers in spaces where others made her feel unwelcome. Her commitment to fostering inclusivity and representation inspires students of all backgrounds. Before becoming a motivational speaker, Dajae was a passionate engineer, working with top organizations such as NASA, Apple, Toyota, and John Deere. During her day-long visit, Dajae Williams spoke at the Upper School Assembly and held a reception with Black-identifying US community members following the assembly. She then visited different classes at the US, hosted a drop-in lunch, and concluded with a session during CAB, where she showcased some of her work and engaged students in her creative process."
MS Faith traditions unit
Middle School students participated in their seventh annual Faith Traditions Unit during the last week of January. During lunch sessions, students heard from speakers representing Islam, Judaism, Christianity, and Buddhism. As part of the week-long unit, the eighth graders took field trips to places of worship including a church, a mosque, a temple, and a Gurdwara/Sikh temple.
CREATIVE CORNER
BB&N alumnus, Jude-Michel Poisson '24, who is currently studying at George Washington University, shared his winning submission for a Black History Month logo contest, featured on the right and directly at the bottom.
Here is what Jude had to say about this submission:
To me hair is such an essential element of black culture and its use as well as purpose has changed over time. From being a form of artistic expression to being a defensive mechanism to escape discriminatory environments, hair truly does speak to the black experience in so many different ways. As for the earrings, black culture has popularized the bamboo earrings and remains a huge symbol of black culture particularly in the 90s and speaks to the fashion of Black American women across the nation. I’m so happy to have my art chosen to represent a month full of creativity, service, and fellowship for the black community. I’m excited to see what lies ahead for Black History Month here at GW!
HIGHLIGHTS
PBS Black History Month Event 2025
The Parents of Black Students (BPS) Affinity Group brought the community together for a fantastic Black History Month celebration on Thursday, February 13, the Upper School Community Room. The night was filled with incredible student performances, including a solo by MS student Anaiah (AJ) Francois, a duet by US students Rockie Yewendwossen and Princess Adeoye, and an energetic set by the Upper School Jazz Band. Guests enjoyed delicious Jamaican food while connecting and celebrating.
A huge thank you to everyone who made this event possible, especially Lauren Holness, Kevin Holness, Kwelina Thompson, Janelle Woods-McNish, Patty Dei, and Tiffany Rice.
Photo credits: Patty Dei
Multi-School Asian Cultural Event hosted by BB&N Affinity Groups AASA and SASA
Over 75 students from BB&N, Nobles, Rivers, Roxbury Latin, and Winsor attended the multi-school AAPI Gathering hosted by AASA and SASA, enjoying a night of fun, discussion, and connection. Students got acquainted, shared experiences, and played games.
Global Education Benchmark Group AFS Intercultural Programs USA Global Competence Certificate Program
"US students who completed the Global Education Benchmark Group, AFS Intercultural Programs USA Global Competence Certificate Program, put their learning into action by designing and leading a Community Day workshop titled "Bridging Cultures: Mastering Interpersonal Communication in a Global World." Participants explored their communication styles through interactive activities, including a Buzzfeed-style quiz, discussions, and real-world scenarios, gaining practical skills for navigating multicultural environments. This kind of deep, meaningful learning fosters empathy, strengthens cross-cultural engagement, and brings us closer together."
Photo Credits: Dr. Karina Baum
AISNE Middle School Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Conference
The Carroll School hosted the annual Middle School DEI Conference at Regis College, where students connected with peers from across New England and learned from regional educators. The day featured workshops, keynote addresses from Rosetta Lee and Dzidzor, and affinity group sessions.
as New Hire SEED session #5
New staff and faculty participated in their fifth SEED (Seeking Educational Equity and Diversity) session, continuing their exploration of race, power, and oppression. The session featured a panel moderated by Tiffany Rice, with panelists Patty Dei (DEIG), Agnes Lo (Health and Wellness), Rylee Allen (MS Music), and Xavier Vazquez (US History).
Photo Credits: Maria Graciela Alcid
US DSC meeting
The US DEIG Steering Community held their first meeting of the year focused on Identity Conscious Practice in Action (Talusan 2025).
Global Entrepreneurship Challenge 2025
Scarsdale School in New York, one of our GEBG partners, invited BB&N students to participate in this year's Global Entrepreneurship Challenge (GEC). This program provides high school students worldwide with an exciting opportunity to create innovative social entrepreneurship ventures based on the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). This year's challenge focuses on SDG 12—Responsible Consumption and Production.
Students are exploring how to develop real-life solutions to pressing local issues while aligning with global objectives. The GEC also offers students the chance to collaborate with peers from around the world, gaining cultural perspectives and insights that can enhance their projects. In April, students will present their final solutions at a Global Summit in Scarsdale, NY, showcasing their ideas to a panel of experts!"
Photo Credits: Dr. Karina Baum
MS black history Month Assembly
The Middle School held a BHM Assembly led by students AJ Francois and Alana Jean-Ross. Each homeroom was assigned a key figure or event that influenced the U.S. labor movement and was responsible for teaching the rest of the student body about their subject. These presentations aimed to celebrate and educate others about influential people and events in Black history.
Photo Credits: Natasha Wanjiru
Round Square Americas' Forum
Dr. Karina Baum attended the RS Forum for Schools Directors and Representatives in the Americas, held at Ashbury College, a partner school in Ottawa, Canada. The event provided a valuable platform for attendees to reconnect, network, and exchange ideas.
Photo Credits: Dr. Karina Baum
LS K-6 Rainbow drop in lunch
During the second Rainbow Lunch gathering of the year, students made bracelets to express themselves and craft in community.
Photo Credits: Natasha Wanjiru
BB&N Middle School Team at the 2025 Global Summit on Climate Education
Middle School faculty members Jack Loud, Kate Anderson, Ashley Cunningham and Wendy Svatek attended the 2025 Global Summit on Climate Education at the Drew School, where they engaged in discussions on advancing climate education. Dr. Karina Baum also spoke at the summit, sharing strategies to empower educators and foster student activism.
Looking ahead
- March 3 - 7 World Languages Week
- March 3 (2pm - 2:30pm) US Community Day Appreciation Celebration
- March 5 (12:45 pm - 6:00pm) Service Learning Day for C27, C28
- March 7 (7:45 am-10am) WAaAG
- March 7 (8am - 10am) SEED
- March 11 (6pm - 9pm) Iftar Event
- March 14 - HOLI
- March 30 - End of Ramadan, Eid al-Fitr
Are you a community member looking to create more visibility for your group? Are you searching for a widely-read platform to share your thoughts, projects, and activism around DEIG? Write to Ms. Wanjiru at nwanjiru@bbns.org and be featured in the DEIG newsletter!
This month's newsletter was curated by Natasha Wanjiru, Education Fellow.
Credits:
Created with images by Татьяна Креминская - "February Black History Month. Abstract Paper geometric black, red, yellow, green background. Copy space, place for your text." • nuchao - "paper art scene of pine tree on flat background,Minimal concept of forest,3D rendering"