JOY IN JUSTICE

Honoring Rev. Martin Luther King, Jr.

Berkshire commemorated Rev. Martin Luther King, Jr. with programming around the theme “Joy in Justice: Allyship and Advocacy.” Students who attended the National Association of Independent Schools Student Diversity Leadership Conference in San Antonio, Tex., opened the All-School Meeting by sharing their experiences with the community. The Berkshire Chorus performed a beautiful rendition of “Wade in the Water.”

Next, English teacher and Associate Dean of Diversity & Inclusion John Speer moderated a panel discussion with executive committee members of NAACP Berkshires, Dr. Shirley Edgerton and Dr. Frances Jones-Sneed. Dr. Edgerton is a community activist, educator, and cultural proficiency coach for Pittsfield Public Schools, and Dr. Jones-Sneed is professor emeritus of history and former director of women studies at Massachusetts College of Liberal Arts.

After the opening celebration, students and faculty both joined and led various breakout sessions based on the “Joy in Justice” theme. Students in Berkshire’s Adv. Topics in Race, Class, and Gender elective organized sessions on protecting the right to vote, racial discrimination and housing, and funding universal healthcare, among other topics. Faculty breakout sessions featured subjects including athletes and political responsibility, poetry and social justice, the role of Africa in the making of the modern world, and more. Meanwhile, Dr. Eden-Reneé Hayes, a DEI strategist and educator, guided a twopart workshop for faculty and staff as an extension of Berkshire’s ongoing professional development work. Students wrapped up the program by meeting with their advisory groups. These advisor-led, small-group settings provided a place to reflect on the day’s activities, the Rev. Martin Luther King, Jr.’s legacy, and what it means to be empowered to work towards inclusivity and justice for all members of the community.