Dear Friends and Supporters,

Thank you for attending our Annual Meeting last Thursday. It was truly an extraordinary night—from amazing performances by our friends at City Strings United, Bithyah Israel, and Sean Antongiorgi, to a truly remarkable keynote by Dr. Darnell Thigpen Williams, who reminded us that “Protective Enactment Theory of Black Excellence is about building systems that protect—not hoping the right people are in the room.” He also reminded us that “Goodwill is beautiful. But goodwill is fragile,” and that “Systems outlast individuals.”

We are grateful for our new partners at Hispanas Amigas, for our Belmont Public Library Community Outreach Librarian Janina Majeran, our new Police Chief Shane Smith, our newly elected Select Board member Carol Kennedy Berberian, and Belmont School Committee Chair Meg Moriarty.

But our biggest gratitude goes to all the parents and students, former BAR board members, educators, and the rest of the members of our community whose names aren’t listed here, for showing up, for coming together, for being there to help us continue to build a more inclusive town where everyone, regardless of background and lived experiences is seen, heard, respected, and feel like they belong. And like the good reverend once said, “you can pretend to care, but you cannot pretend to show up.”

So, thank you for showing up.

Your feedback is valuable, please click the red button below to complete a brief survey.

Warm regards,

The BAR Events Team