Image: Vita Kari, Hands, 2026. Woven textile. Kari focuses on the relationship between internet culture, diaspora, and public space, through their lens of being a Queer, deaf/Hard of Hearing artist. Their attention to the loss of personhood online deconstructs the pixel, comparing the digital screen to the woven grid.
Word of the Month: Gratitude
As an action and/or feeling used to articulate support, care, and appreciation for something or someone, gratitude is a value imbedded in our daily lives. While the sentiment of appreciation is universal, the expression depending on language and culture. In Mexico and many Latin American countries, "abrazo" is a heartfelt embrace accompanied by a back pat to amplify genuine connection and gratitude for the person. Many Chinese people say “謝天,” or “xiè tiān,” which translates to “thank sky”. This acts as a way to express gratitude to all things under the sky rather than one specific element in their life. Whether it's saying thank you to a stranger or bringing someone a sweet treat after they've advocated for you in a meeting, appreciation comes in many forms. As the end of the school year comes to a close, the ability to show gratitude for oneself and others becomes more relevant than ever. The DEIG Office thanks you all for your dedication to the community this year!
Happy Pride Month!
This month, we are celebrating LGBTQIA+ Pride Month! During June, we recognize and celebrate LGBTQIA+ community members, their diverse cultures, and many accomplishments.
While systemic barriers have been built and broken down over time, Queer people have existed for centuries all over the world. Driven by authentic individuality, the community has influenced pop culture, art, and celebratory traditions. Whether expressed subtly or overtly, the history of Queer self-expression connects with sustained joy.
We invite you to join us in reflecting on what it means be proud of yourself - regardless of identity - and think about your own personal journey towards self-confidence & love.
Image: La Chola Poblete, Siempre hay una rota para un descosido, 2025. Multimedia. La Chola Poblete draws on ancestral memory and critiques colonial history to reclaim her Bolivian roots and demand consideration for Indigenous, trans, and nonbinary artists like herself.
FEATURES
DEIG Student Leadership Retreat
The Student Leadership retreat is an off-campus weekend experience for students currently involved in DEIG programming, offering them a space to connect with their peers across grades 6-12. Students develop leadership skills through intentional activities, and enjoy a variety of interactive discussions that build lasting connections. This year's workshops included ASL, poetry, resume building, campus-specific leadership pitches, team building games, and US-led art workshops. The retreat prioritizes student perspectives while exploring the evolving landscape of DEIG.
LS: Pride Celebration
As part of the Spring Festival, the LS campus began celebrating LGBTQIA+ Pride Month with the annual kickball game, stickers, and temporary tattoos. Waiving the flag high, students cheered for the Lifers and Faculty vs 6th graders' energetic kickball game. Join them, along with other BB&N community members, marching in Boston Pride on June 6th!
US: DEIG Student Reflection Video
Through a series of questions answered in a collage of videos, US Student Leaders reflected on the 2025-26 school year and the work they did in their DEIG organizations. Their diverse range of experiences all shared common ground for appreciating each others' presence and the ability to make a space that felt like home. Watch the video below to learn more about their favorite DEIG memories and what they are looking forward to next!
SisterBridge Spotlight
SisterBridge is an organization co-run by Selena Daley, Liya Tilahun, and Bri Vazquez that began with their passion for empowering young, mixed-race and multicultural girls. In their words, they provide a space for girls like them to feel seen.
We strive to create a caring, collaborative, and inclusive community through a nationwide monthly discussions, a magazine catalog, youth outreach program, and are in the works of a tutoring program. Our next big event is our Haircare University Seminar at the Cambridge Community Center on June 13th. - SisterBridge Collective
HIGHLIGHTS
LS: Final SDSC Meeting and Presentation
LS Students wrapped up their morning meetings by preparing for their SDSC (Student Diversity Steering Committee) & DSC (Diversity Steering Committee) presentation. During the event, they shared what they learned throughout the year with adults, families, and DSC members.
US: Round Square King Constantine Medal Recipients
Class of 2026 Seniors Olivia Richter and Matthew Walsh were awarded the Round Square King Constantine Medal at the US Closing Ceremony. Their dedication to Global Education through Round Square Ideals: International Understanding, Democracy, Environmentalism, Adventure, Leadership, and Service.
US: David R. Pokross Prize Recipients
At the US Closing Ceremony, Class of 2026 Seniors Olivia Richter and Brett Riley were awarded the David R. Pokross Prize for their commitment to the Service Learning Program.
US: End of Year Student Leader Meeting
Affinity, Alliance, Interest Group Leadership (Asian American Student Association, Amplifying Muslim Voices, Black Student Union, Brothers Seeking Academic Excellence, Community Engagement Leadership Board, EMPOWER, FemCo, Gay Straight Alliance, Jewish Cultural Club, Round Square, Outside the Box, South Asian Student Association, Asian American Student Association, Student Diversity Steering Committee, and Students Honoring All Differences and Embracing Similarities) met to reflect on the work they have done in their individual organizations and share with each other.
US: AsEA Conference Workshop
Educators and administrators met at the AsEA Conference at Harvard-Westlake to share ways to address challenges and build mentoring structures. Maria Graciela co-presented a faculty session, “Unmasking Excellence: Intersectional Moves for AANHPI Student Support,” and a student session, “The Dreamweaver and Stargazer: Embracing Our Stories in T'nalak and Tatak.”
US: Service Learning Day
9th and 10th grade students participated in our annual Day of Service. Supported by faculty and staff, they started with a Community Leadership dialogue to learn more in depth about the passion of their peers. They transitioned into activities benefitting Cards for Kidz, Catie's Closet, cleaning up the Charles River, Friends of the Fells, Letters against Isolation, Community Fridges, Community Servings, and more.
Up Next in June
1-30: LGBTQIA+ Pride Month 1: US (Grades 9 & 10) Day of Service 6: BB&N Boston Pride 16: Hijri / Islamic New Year 19: Juneteenth
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: MS Rainbow Lunch Playlist, playlist created by MS Rainbow Lunch Group Read: Queer as Folklore: The Hidden Queer History of Myths and Monsters, written by Sacha Coward Attend: Sal Lopes Artist Talk, June 27th, Leica Gallery - Boston
This month's newsletter was curated by Alina Balseiro, DEIG Education Fellow.