As October unfolds, I am thrilled to share this letter recognizing LGBTQ+ History Month and the many meaningful observances we celebrate this month. Together, these occasions provide us with opportunities to reflect, educate, and celebrate the diversity and richness within our school community.

October is a month for connection: connection to history, to our shared humanity, and to the ongoing work of creating an inclusive environment where everyone feels seen, heard, and valued. It is a time to honor the resilience, courage, and contributions of individuals and communities whose stories have often been marginalized—and to ensure those stories are celebrated and shared.

In addition to Hispanic Heritage Month and LGBTQ+ History Month, October is also a time to recognize other important observances, including:

• Breast Cancer Awareness Month: Supporting those affected by breast cancer and raising awareness about prevention and research.

• International Day of Older Persons (October 1): Celebrating the contributions of older adults and promoting inclusion across generations.

• Yom Kippur (October 1-2, 2025): The holiest day of the Jewish calendar, observed with reflection, atonement, and renewal.

• World Inclusion Day (October 10): Championing equity and inclusion across communities.

• Indigenous Peoples’ Day (October 13, 2025): Honoring Indigenous communities, their resilience, and contributions to society.

• International Pronouns Day (October 15, 2025): Recognizing the importance of respecting individuals’ pronouns as part of fostering an inclusive environment.

• Diwali (October 20, 2025): The Hindu Festival of Lights, celebrating the triumph of light over darkness and good over evil.

My linked letter provides reflections, resources, and ideas to help us engage with these observances in meaningful ways and celebrate the intersectionality that makes our community so vibrant.

Thank you for your ongoing commitment to making Belmont Public Schools a place where every story matters. Please don’t hesitate to reach out if you have any questions or need additional resources.

Warm regards,
Darnell Thigpen Williams
Director of Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Well-being
Belmont Public Schools

We’re excited to invite you to the next Equal Justice Book Group meeting, presented by Belmont Against Racism (BAR) and Belmont Public Library. We’ll be discussing Colored Television by Danzy Senna—a powerful and thought-provoking novel that challenges our understanding of race, identity, and media.

Meeting Details:
Date: Monday, October 20
Time: 6:30 PM
Location: Parish Hall, All Saints Episcopal Church, 17 Clark St, Belmont

RSVP: Please let us know if you plan to attend by clicking here.

We encourage you to read Colored Television before the meeting, but everyone is welcome to join the conversation, whether or not you’ve finished the book.

Copies of the book are available at the library’s Circulation Desk at the Beech Street Center.

We look forward to an engaging and insightful discussion.

Warm regards,
The BAR Events Team
belmontagainstracism.org/upcomingevents

In celebration and observance of Indigenous Peoples’ Day, Belmont Against Racism (BAR) and The Opening Doors Project, in collaboration with the Belmont Public Schools Department of Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Well-Being (DEIW), are proud to present a live concert and conversation featuring Thea Hopkins and Linda Coombs of the Aquinnah Wampanoag Tribe. This event promises an enriching evening of music, storytelling, and dialogue about the experiences and cultural heritage of Indigenous communities today.

This special event will take place on Monday, October 13, 2025, at 7 PM in the Black Box Theater at Belmont High School (221 Concord Ave, Belmont, MA 02478).

Click HERE to reserve your free tickets now. Space is limited.

Event Highlights:

Thea Hopkins is a singer-songwriter acclaimed for her unique "Red Roots Americana" style. Described by The Washington Post as a "standout writer," Thea has earned widespread recognition for her emotionally resonant music. Her powerful song “The Ghost of Emmett Till” won the Grand Prize at the Great American Song Contest in 2021. A seasoned performer, she has graced prestigious stages such as globalFEST at Lincoln Center and the Kennedy Center. Thea's evocative voice and poignant storytelling continue to captivate audiences and solidify her place as one of today’s most respected artists.

Linda Coombs is a historian and the author of Colonization and the Wampanoag Story (Penguin Random House, 2023). With decades of experience, Linda is a leading expert on Wampanoag history and culture. Her work at Plimoth Plantation's Indigenous Program has played a pivotal role in educating the public and preserving the rich heritage of the Wampanoag people. As a respected voice in the field, Linda brings invaluable perspectives on both the historical and contemporary experiences of the Wampanoag Nation.

The evening will feature a combination of traditional and contemporary Indigenous music, including Thea’s original compositions and timeless tribal artistry. Following the musical performance, Thea, Linda, and host Alastair Moock will engage in a conversation with the audience, reflecting on the role of Indigenous artists and their influence in the 21st century.

We hope you can join us!

Warm regards,
The BAR Events Team
belmontagainstracism.org

On September 23, 2025, Governor Maura Healey and Attorney General Andrea Joy Campbell issued joint guidance  to support Massachusetts’ higher education and K-12 institutions in their work to further equal access and representation in education.  

For this new school year, the Healey-Driscoll Administration and AG Campbell are highlighting information and resources relating to fostering safe and inclusive schools and campuses for all students. Massachusetts is proudly home to the first public school, and students of all backgrounds – regardless of circumstances, identity, or zip code – have the right to access and deserve to feel welcomed and valued in the state’s public schools. 

Please see these links for further information:

• Press Release, 9/23/2025

• Joint Guidance full text

We are excited to share an important initiative from our Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Well-Being (DEIW) Department: the DEIW Resource Hub. This digital repository will serve as a central space for exemplary curricular and instructional resources that promote diversity, equity, and inclusion within our schools. One example is our new DEIW Cultural Calendar, currently under construction!

This detailed letter outlines the purpose of the DEIW Resource Hub, its significance, and how you can contribute. Your expertise and creativity are vital to the success of this project, and we encourage you to share any relevant resources you may have.

Thank you for your ongoing commitment to fostering an inclusive and equitable learning environment for all our students. Together, we can make a lasting impact in our community.

A Message from the Director of DEIW

Dear Belmont Public Schools Community,

As we approach Hispanic Heritage Month, celebrated annually from September 15 to October 15, we take this opportunity to honor the rich cultures, histories, and contributions of Hispanic and Latino Americans. This month-long celebration began in 1968 as a week-long event, which expanded to four weeks and was enacted into law in 1988. It reflects the independence days of several Latin American countries, including Costa Rica, El Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras, Nicaragua, Mexico, and Chile. National Hispanic Heritage Month honors the achievements, contributions, culture, and history of Hispanic and Latin American people, providing us with a vital opportunity to recognize their impact on our society. 

This month is not only a celebration but a vital invitation to create mirrors, windows, and sliding glass doors that center our Latine/a/o/x and Hispanic cultural identities (Bishop, 1990). Mirrors reflect our own identities and experiences, allowing students to see themselves in the curriculum; windows offer views into the lives and cultures of others, fostering empathy and understanding; and sliding glass doors provide opportunities for engagement and connection with diverse narratives. It is essential that we integrate these identities into our curriculum year-round, while also highlighting and celebrating them during this dedicated period. By doing so, we empower our students, especially our Hispanic and Latine/a/o/x students, to see themselves reflected in their education and to understand the diverse narratives that shape our shared experience as a community.

As of 2023, Hispanic and Latino Americans constitute nearly 20% of the U.S. population, totaling over 65 million individuals. In Belmont Public Schools (BPS), as of October 2024, our Hispanic/Latine/a/o/x student population was 5.8%. This vibrant community plays an essential role in shaping the nation’s economic, cultural, and political landscape.

We encourage families to participate in local and statewide events celebrating Hispanic Heritage Month. This is a wonderful opportunity to engage with our community and appreciate the vibrant Hispanic culture. Consider attending festivals, parades, and educational workshops that highlight the contributions of Hispanic and Latino Americans.

Please see the full text of this letter for links to valuable educational resources, as well as information on other observances taking place this fall.

Sincerely,

Darnell Thigpen Williams
Director of Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Well-Being (DEIW)
Belmont Public Schools

Belmont Public Schools invites you to help shape the future of our schools by joining our Climate Survey Task Force.

This diverse group will bring together students, teachers, staff members, families, and community partners. The task force will design surveys, plan implementation, and generally give voice to our students, families, and staff to influence decisions that affect our school environment.

Meetings will be scheduled throughout November through April. Please see this flyer for more details.

Interested? Please email Darnell T. Williams at dwilliams@belmontschools.net to learn more or sign up!

A Message from the Director of DEIW

Dear Belmont Community,

I am thrilled to announce the return of our Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Well-Being (DEIW) news and events page on BPS DEIW News. This page serves as a hub for the latest news, events, and initiatives highlighting Belmont Public Schools’ commitment to fostering an inclusive and equitable environment.

On this page, you will find:

• Announcements and Events: Stay tuned for exciting upcoming activities and important announcements that promote DEIW within our community. This section will feature events hosted by BPS as well as initiatives from our broader community partners. Check back frequently to ensure you don’t miss out on opportunities to engage, learn, and celebrate together.

• Updates on Initiatives: Information about our current DEIW programs, from hiring practices to professional development resources.

• A Calendar of Events: Details on upcoming community forums, workshops, webinars, and heritage month celebrations.

• Spotlights and Stories: Profiles of diverse team members and narratives that celebrate their unique contributions to our community.

• Educational Resources: Links to articles, videos, and guides to deepen our understanding of DEI topics and allyship.

This space is for everyone to stay informed, get involved, and celebrate the diverse perspectives that enrich our school community. We invite you to visit the page, explore the resources, and participate in upcoming events.

Additionally, we welcome community partners to share events, flyers, workshops, and other resources you would like us to post on this page. Your contributions are vital to our collective efforts.

Thank you for your commitment to making Belmont Public Schools a place where everyone belongs. Together, we can create a vibrant community that values diversity and inclusion.

If you have any questions or suggestions, please feel free to reach out to me.

Warm regards,

Darnell Thigpen Williams
Director of Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Well-Being
Belmont Public Schools