Image: Chitra Ganesh. Change is in the Air, Mixed media on paper. Chitra Ganesh is a mixed media artist of South Asian descent. Ganesh works from mythology, literature, and popular culture to reveal Queer narratives from the past and reimagine them from a contemporary lens.
Word of the Month: Dialogue
One way to understand dialogue is open, respectful, and meaningful conversations that actively engage diverse perspectives and ensure that all voices are heard. Honest communication plays a crucial role in bridging differences and promoting mutual understanding. Engaging in dialogue with others who share and differ in opinion is a valuable way to foster connection. Our recent guest speaker, Jason Craige Harris, focuses his work on the need for "difficult conversations" and shared tools to support engaging in them both in and outside of BB&N. He offers the following questions to guide dialogue and lead with compassion.
- What are the extremes in this moment? Am I leaning toward one?
- What are the consequences of leaning too far in either direction?
- What are the costs and benefits of pursuing the radical middle?
Pairing the art of listening with restorative feedback and accountability can shape our relationships for the better. In a world where divisive binaries are more present than ever, active reflection can be a tool to establish common ground.
Happy Spring!
This May, we are celebrating Jewish Heritage Month and Asian American, Native Hawaiian, and Pacific Islander (AANHPI) Heritage Month! This recognition celebrates the numerous achievements and contributions of American Jews and Asian, Native Hawaiian, and Pacific Islanders have made to our society today. Their impact on human rights issues, sports, the arts, medicine, technology, and so much more is profound. Some Jewish people feel more connected to the cultural aspects of being Jewish, while others feel more connected to the religious portion. Each person's relationship to their culture and/or religion is special to them. How will you honor Jewish culture, values, and traditions? Between geographic regions and traditions, AANHPI individuals express a wide range of cultures throughout the diaspora. Their passion depicted in sports, arts, medicine, technology, food, and entrepreneurship has continued to strengthen engagement from those outside of the community. What will you do to recognize their impact?
Image: Chella Man, How To Do The Right Thing, 2021. Oil on canvas Chella Man uses their multimedia practice to share their lived experiences as Deaf, trans-masculine, Chinese, Jewish artist. Their work centers creativity, curiosity, and abundance.
FEATURES
Resilient Voices
Students organized a stellar lineup of performances by BIPOC students at BB&N. They filled the Upper School theater with dancing, singing, poetry, instruments, and more. The performances were accompanied by a gallery wall featuring more student artists' photography and paintings. Each participant shared their passions and how their voices can be uplifted through participating in Resilient Voices. Their generosity and talent are inspiring!
MS CAB: Arab American & Middle Eastern American Heritage Month
In honor of Arab American & Middle Eastern American Heritage Month, MS students were introduced to Arabic and Farsi through learning from their peers.
Upper School students enrolled in Arabic Language classes visited the MS to lead an introductory Arabic language workshop for all 8th grade students. They taught them how to use the alphabet to rewrite their names and create a Kahoot to test their knowledge about the region. The seventh graders learned from their classmates, Yara and Ronika, the Farsi alphabet and how to say specific spring words in their language. The students had the opportunity to share parts of their culture they are proud of and how language can connect us together.
JEDI's Visit to Catie's Closet
As an extension of their recent all-campus clothing drive, JEDI's sixth graders visited Catie's Closet in Hyde Park to learn more about their history and donation process. They sorted through the clothing and organized it by the organization's guidelines. After organizing the drive at BB&N, they were able to immerse themselves in the environment and how their donations impact Catie's Closet directly. Check out a video of their visit below!
HIGHLIGHTS
AS: LAHFA Carnaval Latino
Celebrating the rich heritage, music, and flavors of Latin America, LAHFA (Latin American and Hispanic Families Association) hosted Carnaval Latino in the US Community Room. The event had dishes from various Latin American countries, live dance instruction, and student projects.
MS: Day of Service Learning
On April 27th, MS Students engaged in various service learning opportunities on and off campus. In two sessions, they worked with Boston Medical Center Preventive Food Pantry, Catie’s Closet, Circle of Hope, Community Servings, Cordelia’s Farm, Heading Home, and Volunteer Ventures.
Up Next in May
1-31: Jewish Heritage Month, Asian American Native Hawaiian Pacific Islander (AANHPI) Month 1-3: DEIG Student Retreat 7: "I Am From", Time TBD 9: SAPA Holi Celebration, 2-4pm, Filippelo Park & Gazebo 13: MS CAB: Jewish American Heritage Month 14: BSU Block Party, 5-7:30pm, US 19: MS Atrium Pride Fest 20: LS Justice Celebration 22: Arabic Evening, 6-8pm, US
27: BB&N Jewish Heritage Night, 6:45pm, Fenway Park
Want to see more holidays? Add cultural celebrations to your calendar! Follow the instructions to subscribe to multi-faith and cultural holidays for 2026.
Mental Health Resources
No matter who we are, we all face challenges. But the way we experience those challenges can look and feel very different depending on where we come from and what community we identify with. If you or a loved one are facing any challenges please call 988 or take a look at Lisa Sugarman's The HelpHub where you’ll always have the mental health resources, tools, treatment options, and content you need when you need it most.
Inspirations
Listen: Is It Laziness, Or A Sign You Need To Slow Down?, podcast by Life Kit Read: The Serviceberry: Abundance and Reciprocity in the Natural World by Robin Wall Kimmerer with John Burgoyne Attend: Environmental Justice is Social Justice: Presentation by Judith Foster, Codman Square Branch - May 11th, 6:30-7:30pm
This month's newsletter was curated by Alina Balseiro, DEIG Education Fellow.