Words of the month: BIPOC
BIPOC is an acronym referring to Black, Indigenous, and People of Color. Although predating 2020, it has become used more widely since the killing of George Floyd. The term is meant to emphasize the particular experiences of Black and Indigenous people in regards to white supremacy and racism.
Civil Rights Heroes
This month, we remember Civil Rights activists Representative John Robert Lewis and Reverend Cordy Tintell "C.T." Vivian, who passed away at 80 and 95. Proponents of non-violent resistance alongside Dr. King, they never hesitated to put themselves on the line for justice and to speak up for those whose voices were suppressed, whether marching for voting rights in Selma, or peacefully demanding desegregation during lunch counter sit-ins. Throughout their lifelong fight for equality and freedom, they were arrested, beaten, criticized -- and yet they persisted. They understood that theirs was not a fight of a month, a year, or even a decade: they continued to hold the nation accountable, never making excuses for delays or lack of progress. For their unyielding resolve, they both received the Presidential Medal of Freedom from President Obama. Today we honor them: they paved the way for the fight that still lies ahead. Their legacy reminds us: giving up on justice isn't an option.
Masks at BB&N
The DEIG Team would like to acknowledge the important and courageous work accomplished by the Instagram account Masks@BBN, which created a "safe space for BIPOC & LGBTQ+ students, faculty, and alumni @ BB&N" to share their experiences and stories. Unaffiliated with the school or the DEIG office, this student-led group of activists nonetheless reminds us that BB&N as an institution still has a lot of work to do when it comes to achieving true diversity, equity, and inclusion. Our team looks forward to reviewing the group's proposal and working with them to effect positive change. In the meantime, we invite you to attend their rally, which will take place Saturday July 25 at 1pm (see flyer). For the safety of everyone, please remember to wear a mask and to practice physical distancing while at the rally.
Did you know? Pride was started by trans and queer folks of color, like Marsha P. Johnson and Sylvia Rivera. On June 28, 1969, during the Stonewall Inn rebellion against police raids, they lead the charge. They also continued to fight long after, via the Street Transvestite Action Revolutionaries, which organized direct action to protect the LGBTQ+ community in New York City.
Welcome: New DEIG Partners
This summer, BB&N is welcoming three new administrators into its community. We asked them to introduce themselves and answer the following questions:
- How do you identify?
- What drew you to BB&N?
- How do you plan to incorporate DEIG into your new role?
- If you had 2 uninterrupted hours of free time -- no work, obligations, or expectations -- what would you do?
Jed Lippard, Chief Learning Officer
1. I identify as a white, cisgender, gay male of the Jewish tradition who is married with twin 12 year-old boys. I am able-bodied, hail from Pittsburgh, and love working in schools.
2. As a resident of Cambridge and Somerville for 21 years, before moving to New York City for four years, I always admired BB&N from afar and believe the institution has a unique platform to educate young people to do and be good in this world, especially at a time when morality, humanity, and critical thought are most needed. I also love the energy and challenges of PK-12 schools and am excited about supporting meaningful curricular and instructional cohesion across the three campuses, all the while applying an equity lens to all that we do.
3. From my perspective, it's helpful to think of DEIG as both a mindset (i.e. pervasively interrogating the impact of decisions, actions, initiatives, and programs on all, and especially the most vulnerable, members of a learning community) and a skillset (i.e. equipping practitioners with the habits, skills, and knowledge to improve their practice by engaging in sustained, ongoing, collaborative professional development). DEIG work cannot be an add-on; it must be everyone's responsibility. I look forward to learning more about the good work that is already underway at BB&N and to partnering with others to support teachers and leaders in advancing the key set of priorities laid out in the strategic plan.
4. I would take a long walk on the beach in Provincetown with my dog and my husband (and maybe, just maybe, my kids) and then sit outside at a waterfront restaurant, overlooking the bay, with a glass of wine and a lobster roll.
Sue Cook, Institutional Researcher
1. I identify as a white, cis-gendered, heterosexual woman from New England.
2. Having been a BB&N parent, I already had a sense of the school's culture (warm, open, curious, inclusive). I am excited by the prospect of helping to build a research culture at BB&N, and to support evidence-based decision making. This is a very different approach to managing a school than relying solely on tradition or just acquiescing to whoever speaks the loudest. I've had the opportunity to build towards this approach in other organizations, so I know how powerful it can be! I've worked in education at every level, and I believe strongly in independent schools' ability to create a community of care in addition to a great teaching/learning environment.
3. DEIG principles are basic to good research. No matter what is under the microscope, remembering to ask: "whose interests are centered here?" "whose voice is missing from this conversation?" "what's a different way of looking at this?" is really important. I hope to bring that approach, as well as my global network of thought partners, to my work at BB&N.
4. With two hours of free time, I might load my bike onto my car and head somewhere beautiful for a ride. I have some favorite rides around Boston and I am always looking for new ones!
Jorge Delgado, Director of Enrollment Management
1. Love this question! I identify as a member of the Latinx community and use he/him/his pronouns. I'm also a proud member of the LGBTQ+ community and treasure my journey as an immigrant to the United States and a first generation college graduate.
2. The focus on community and the values that define the experience really align with who I am. Throughout my career, I've chosen to work for institutions that represent who I am and which I deeply believe in. Here at BB&N I've found that in spades.
3. DEIG is absolutely central to my role. Creating enrollment systems that combat the systematic inequalities in our society is integral to building a strong and diverse community. As a new community member, I'm proud of the ongoing work and dialogues BB&N is undertaking in order to create an environment where everyone can exist as their most authentic self. My efforts will focus on welcoming families into the community who are excited to take on this work and contribute to the important dialogues happening on campus.
4. If the weather is nice, getting outside is a must. Beach time, a run, or even just a walk along the Charles before reading something new and interesting under the sun. An ideal afternoon!
Anti-Racist Resources
The Alumni/ae of Color Network (AoC) has been hard at work in their mission to amplify BIPOC narratives and to promote anti-racist initiatives . Click here to learn more.
- What is BIPOC? Learn from the BIPOC Project
- Listen to Stamped from the Beginning: The Definitive History of Racist Ideas in America, by Ibram X. Kendi, for free, on Spotify.
- Me and White Supremacy: A 28-Day Challenge to Combat Racism, Change the World, and Become a Good Ancestor, by Layla F Saad
- 21-Day Racial Equity Habit Building Challenge, from Debby Irving
- The Conscious Kid: books and resources to promote positive racial identity development in children
- More resources here (DEIG Learning Hub)
DEIG it?
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Breathe Life 3, by Rob "ProBlak" Gibbs. You can admire this work of art at 808 Tremont Street. Black Lives Matter, by Jamil Dyair Steele, in Charlotte, NC. Photo by Leila Bailey-Stewart.