The Diversity Summit

On Saturday, October 19, I had the privilege to attend aspects of the 2nd Annual Needham Diversity Summit.  What I saw, heard, and felt was amazing to say the least!  I am so fortunate and proud to be in a community that has the courage to examine such important topics, evolving, and moving forward.

The mission of the Summit is to bring community leaders, friends, neighbors and students to explore, foster, strengthen, and celebrate Needham's diversity - of socioeconomic status, race, sexual orientation, gender, religion, ethnic identity, ability, and age.  The annual occasion aims to create a network of people committed to creating an equitable and welcoming town, and to challenging Needham residents to think in new ways aboutour evolving community.

Katani Sumner, an educator in the Newton Public Schools as well as a sought after speaker/presenter and singer/songwriter, welcomed us with her singing and musical performance.  This was soon followed by the movie, SILENT BEATS, and a discussion with audience members.  Needham panelists (Michelle Comma, Sara Orozco, Arvind Raja, and Mark smith) then presented their stories and personal journeys.  An engaging discussion with audience members soon followed.  This discussion only affirmed the good work that is occurring in the Needham community and where we need to continue to go.  After lunch, audience members heard from keynote speaker Dr. Abdul Cader Asmal, a South African Indian who immigrated to the United States in 1981 to escape from apartheid.  He has been a Needham resident since.  He is a retired physician with an MD and PhD from the University of London, and Board Certificatiobn in Internal Medicine in south Africa (FCP), London (MRCP) and the American Board of Internal Medicine, and also a subspecialty from the latter in Endocrinology and Medicine.  His powerful speech was followed by an interactive discussion with audience members.  Attendees then spent the remainder of the day in a series of small break-out sessions of their choice.  These sessions included a series of topics, such as a film and discussion on TRUE COLORS, Invisible Diversity in Needham, A Personal Look at Privilege, Things Well-Intentioned People Say, a film and discussion on FAR FROM HOME, Hiring in Needham Public Schools, and Racial Slurs - A Case Study.  The day ended in the Pollard Auditorium with a debrief, exit ticket, and closing remarks.

This Summit could not have occurred without the vision, hard work, and dedication of the following folks:  David Summergrad (Chair) and Committee Members (Joanne Allen-Willoughby, Merle Berman, Dana Braun, Mark Braun, Rebecca Drill, Amelia Klein, Abhilasha Mehta, Kim Marie Nicols, Nathan Rosin, Jonathan Salzman, Diane Simmons, and Sandra Walters).  We look forward to the events of next year's Summit, and we hope to see you there!

Lisa C. Chen, Ph.D
Principal
Pollard Middle School