We hope everyone had a fun and restful break! In March, our Hindu neighbors celebrate Holi (3/8/23) and our Muslim neighbors celebrate Ramadan (3/22/23-4/21/23). Scroll down to learn more about these holidays.
We hope to see everyone at Day Diversity Club’s Annual Pizza/Bowl Event! Saturday, March 11, Boston Bowl, 820 Morrissey Blvd., Boston, 10:00-12:00 p.m. FREE! RSVP by March 4th and email questions to saintiln@newton.k12.ma.us.
New Word Alert! “Micro Progression: (noun) A small intentional or unintentional act that may often require a timeline beyond the immediate to reveal its positive impact on culture.” Check out this story on tiktok and learn about Rodney White, the man that coined the term. Let’s help it stick!
8th Grade parents: Please make sure you complete the end of year trip survey and don’t hesitate to connect with Principal Mann for help with funding. The trip is for all 8th graders regardless of financial need.
Please scroll down for meaningful, educational, and entertaining experiences for you and your family to LISTEN, DO, READ, & WATCH.
-Your Day FORJ Committee
LISTEN:
KQED Forum Podcast: “As a comedian and the Emmy-winning host of CNN’s “United Shades of America,” W. Kamau Bell addresses the racial inequities of American life with bracing and deft humor. Bell does not shy away from calling it like he sees it, and he’s seen a lot. With its sixth season debuting on May 2, the show will tackle policing the police, racial wealth gaps and the lack of diversity in STEM, among other topics. We’ll talk with Bell about protest, police killings and creating television during a pandemic.” Click Here to Listen.
DO:
March 1-11: Fairview, the Winner of 2019 Pulitzer Prize for Drama, written by Jackie Sibblies Drury and Directed by Pascale Florestal. Persented by the Speakeasy Stage Company, Roberts Studio Theatre, 527 Tremont Street, Boston. The New York Times describes Fairview as “a bold and disarmingly funny play that serves as “a glorious reminder of the unmatched power of live theater to rattle, roil, and shake us wide awake.” Fairview contains adult content & language, racism and racial slurs, and some violence. Click Here for Tickets.
March 5, 12:00-4:00 pm, FREE: Holi Festival of Colors – Community Cultural Day. 61 Washington Park, Newtonville. Join the New Art Center for Holi, the Indian festival of color to welcome Spring! There will be “art-making, performances, food, dancing, and music throughout the day. The Grub Guru food truck will be there with tasty food available for purchase. The conclusion of the event includes outdoor color play where you become the canvas for artmaking! You have the opportunity to participate in the very fun (and messy) tradition of throwing organic color powder at each other.” Click here for more information.
Check out this directory of BIPOC (Black, Indigenous, and People of Color)-Owned Business in Brookline.
READ:
Ramadan is considered one of the holiest months of the year for Muslims. In Ramadan, Muslims commemorate the revelation of the Qur’an, and fast from food and drink during the sunlit hours as a means of drawing closer to God and cultivating self-control, gratitude, and compassion for those less fortunate. Click here to learn more about the month-long holiday of Ramadan.
WATCH:
NNHS Black Leadership Advisory Council (BLAC) Day:
Black Diaspora Presentation
Dr. Kandice Sumner Presentation
Black Boy Joy Presentation
If you are interested in getting involved with Day FORJ to help build an anti-racist community or if you’d like publicize any future events, recommend videos, movies, podcasts, or books, please email forj.faday@gmail.com.
FORJ Mission: To build an antiracist city through education, action, and systemic reform with Newton families, schools, community members, and civic leaders. Empowering residents to stand up for racial justice and build a network of support for racial equity.
Check out forj.org or www.facebook.com/FORJNewton to learn more about FORJ Newton. To receive the monthly, district-wide, FORJ email that includes information about lectures on race and diversity, discussion groups, community events, and Newton Public Schools updates, please email forjnewton@gmail.com.
