Events
2017-18 Events
Annual Families of Color Orientation
Tuesday, Aug. 29 from 10 a.m. to noon
Jackson House
All Families of Color are invited to join Shanelle Robinson, Director of Diversity and Multicultural Affairs, for an Orientation on Tuesday, August 29th from 10 a.m. to noon in the Jackson House. The program is designed for new and current FA families of color to spend time meeting and greeting in an affinity space before the start of the school year. Held at the Jackson House, the event includes a panel of students, parents and alumni of color sharing their experiences, advice and answering questions.
Friends celebrates Diversity Night 2017
My Home Indian Senior Center
256-C W. Old Country Road
Hicksville, NY 11801
(Note: Located in Antun's parking lot; cannot see the entrance from Old Country Road; please head to back parking lot)
Monday, September 25, 2017 -- 6 to 8 p.m
You and your family are invited to join us at My Home Indian Senior Center for a reception and celebration honoring the diverse, multicultural community of Friends Academy! Each member of our community brings to us a unique perspective, background, and set of experiences. MOSAIC of our Community: Diversity Night is an evening to learn from each other and share ideas to strengthen the equity and diversity initiatives of our school.Please join us to:
- Meet the parents and families within our diverse community.
- Connect with FA's Director of Diversity and Multicultural Affairs.
- Enjoy music and fun for all ages.
INTERNATIONAL POTLUCK BUFFET
We also invite you to share in the multicultural festivities of the evening by bringing a dish to contribute to our International Potluck Buffet! Feel free to make and/or bring your favorite appetizer, salad, dessert or main entree. Beverages and tableware will be provided.
Please RSVP if you plan to attend. Appropriate for all ages.DIRECTIONS TO MY HOME INDIAN SENIOR CENTER
Click here for Google Map.
Educators of Color Open House at Friends Academy
December 6, 2017 from 5:30 to 8 pm
Kumar Wang Learning Commons
If you're an educator of color interested in teaching in a private, independent school, please join us for this special event. Friends Academy is hosting an Educators of Color Open House for those interested in working at our school and learning more about teaching in independent schools.
We welcome teachers of diverse backgrounds and experiences. Bring your resume!
RSVP to Shanelle_Robinson@fa.org
Diversity Grant Fund Dinner - Tuesday, April 24, 2018
The Diversity Grant Fund provides funds for expenses and fees that are part of a student's educational
Each year the Diversity Club sponsors and hosts The Diversity Grant Fund Dinner, an all-school evening event featuring international dishes and student entertainment, which is open to all Friends Academy families.
All proceeds from the Dinner directly benefit The Diversity Grant Fund.
Download the Diversity Grant Fund Application.
Past Events
2016-17
FA Presents author Debby Irving, "I'm a Good Person -- Isn't That Enough?"
Wednesday, April 19 from 6:30-8:00 p.m.
Dolan Center Choir Room
"I'm a Good Person - Isn't That Enough?" is a special evening workshop with author Debby Irving. Much like in her book, "Waking Up White and Finding Myself in the Story of Race," in this workshop Debby uses her own life to explore everyday systemic racism that goes largely unnoticed. By sharing her sometimes cringe-worthy struggle to understand racism and racial tensions, she offers a fresh perspective on bias, stereotypes, manners, and tolerance. Debby unpacks her own long-held beliefs about colorblindness, being a good person, and wanting to help people of color, and she reveals how each of those well-intentioned mindsets actually helped to perpetuate her ill-conceived ideas about race. While it is helpful, it is not necessary to have read her book before attending this workshop.
RSVP by Friday, April 14
Educator Open House at Friends Academy
Tuesday, April 4 at 6 to 8 p.m. (RESCHEDULED DUE TO INCLEMENT WEATHER)
Kumar Wang Library
If you've ever thought about teaching in a private, independent school, please join us for this special event. Friends Academy is hosting an Educator Open House for those interested in working at our school and learning more about teaching in independent schools.
We welcome teachers of diverse backgrounds and experiences. Bring your resume!
RSVP to Shanelle_Robinson@fa.org
New Families of Color "Coffee and Conversation"
Tuesday, Oct. 14 at 8:15 a.m.
Jackson House
All new Families of Color are invited to join Shanelle Robinson, Director of Diversity and Multicultural Affairs, for "Coffee and Conversation" on Tuesday, October 4th at 8:15AM in the Jackson House. This is a meeting for all new Families of Color at Friends to network, share experiences about your first few months of school, ask questions and learn more about what's happening at Friends.
RSVP by Tuesday, Sept. 27
Friends celebrates Diversity Night 2016
Centro Cultural Hispano
(Located at Christ Church)
61 East Main Street
Oyster Bay, NY 11771
Monday, September 26, 2016 -- 6 to 8 p.m
You and your family are invited to join us at Christ Church with members of Centro Cultural Hispano for a reception and celebration honoring the diverse, multicultural community of Friends Academy! Each member of our community brings to us a unique perspective, background, and set of experiences. MOSAIC of our Community: Diversity Night is an evening to learn from each other and share ideas to strengthen the equity and diversity initiatives of our school.Please join us to:
- Meet the parents and families within our diverse community.
- Connect with FA's Director of Diversity and Multicultural Affairs.
- Enjoy music and fun for all ages.
INTERNATIONAL POTLUCK BUFFET
We also invite you to share in the multicultural festivities of the evening by bringing a dish to contribute to our International Potluck Buffet! Feel free to make and/or bring your favorite appetizer, salad, dessert or main entree. Beverages and tableware will be provided.
Please RSVP if you plan to attend. Appropriate for all ages.DIRECTIONS TO CHRIST CHURCH
Click here for Google Map.
2015-16
Understanding the Benefits and Challenges of Raising
a Child of Color within Independent Schools
May 9, 2016, 7 to 8:30 PM
Friends Academy and RIISE (Resources In Independent School Education) invites you to join a panel of parents & educators on Monday, May 9th, at 7pm to examine the benefits and challenges families of color experience as they navigate independent schools.
What does it mean to receive a great academic education while navigating the racial, social, and economic disparities that exist in our schools? Are you curious how students, parents and schools are building equitable and diverse communities? What does success look like for students and families of color in independent schools? We will consider these questions and more.
Panel Moderator: Shanelle Henry Robinson, Director of Diversity & Multicultural Affairs, Friends Academy
Panelists:
- Gina Parker-Collins (founder | advocate | advisor | author, RIISE)
- Nina Waechter (Director of Admissions, Friends Academy)
- Ed Dugger (Director of College Counseling, Friends Academy)
- Jeff Daniels (Board Member | Alum | Current Parent, Friends Academy)
- Tyra Banks (Current Parent, Friends Academy)
- Sonia Navas (Current Parent, Friends Academy)
Friends celebrates Diversity Night 2015
Chinese Center on LI
395 Hempstead Turnpike, W. Hempstead, NY 11552
Monday, September 29, 2015 -- 6 to 8 p.m
View photos from last year's Diversity Night at the Museum held at the Chinese Cultural Center on LI.
You and your family are invited to join us at the Chinese Center on LI for a reception and celebration honoring the diverse, multicultural community of Friends Academy! Each member of our community brings to us a unique perspective, background, and set of experiences. MOSAIC of our Community: Diversity Night is an evening to learn from each other and share ideas to strengthen the equity and diversity initiatives of our school.
2014-15
Film screening
April 1, 2015
"I'm Not Racist...Am I?" is a feature documentary about how this next generation is going to confront racism. The film features 12 NYC teenagers, who come together for one school year to talk about race and privilege in a series of workshops and in conversations with friends and family members.Meet:
- Anna, adopted from Korea by white parents, who says that if she never had a mirror, would think she was white;
- Martha, whose family is the only white one in her subsidized Harlem building, and who sometimes wishes she were black;
- Kahleek, nicknamed “white boy” by friends and family, who describes the way people breathe differently as he nears them on the subway;
- Abby, who is biracial, but only knows the white side of her family and has always felt uncomfortable talking about race;
- And Sacha, from the city’s affluent Upper West Side, who wants to speak up when his friends who are white say the “N” word, but doesn’t yet know how to do it.
After the film, we invite you to join us for a reflective group discussion with the filmmakers and some of the teen cast members from the film."I'm Not a Racist...Am I?" is part of a larger initiative - Deconstructing Race - developed by The Calhoun School to start talking and doing something about structural systemic racism.
"Parenting Beyond Pink & Blue: How to raise your kids free of gender stereotypes"
An Early Childhood/Lower School Lunch & Learn presented by: Shanelle Robinson, Director of Diversity & Multicultural Affairs
Thursday, Nov. 20, 2014
11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m.
Jackson House
(Lunch and beverages provided or you are welcome to bring your own)
Research shows that once children enter preschool, and then elementary school, the emphasis on gender increases. In fact, labeling, sorting, and color-coding by gender happens so frequently in our society, you may not even notice it. But research has shown that when we label (and sort and color code) by gender, children actually do notice. And it matters—children are learning gender messages whether you mean to be teaching them or not. This interactive discussion is designed to help parents identify effective age-appropriate ways to communicate with young children about gender.
Here are some online articles of interest to prepare for the conversation:
- The way we talk about gender can make a big difference - Psychology Today
- Why "using" gender can make a big difference, part 2 - Psychology Today
- Gender & Children: A Place to Begin - Welcoming Schools
- Gender debate: Role playing, from school to the sandbox - The Toronto Star
Friends celebrates Diversity Night 2014
Gurdwara Sahib Sikh Temple
100 Lattingtown Road, Glen Cove, NY 11542
Monday, September 29, 2014 -- 6 to 8 p.m
You and your family are invited to join us at the Gurdwara Sahib Sikh Temple for a reception and celebration honoring the diverse, multicultural community of Friends Academy! Each member of our community brings to us a unique perspective, background, and set of experiences. MOSAIC of our Community: Diversity Night is an evening to learn from each other and share ideas to strengthen the equity and diversity initiatives of our school.
Please join us to:
- Meet the parents and families within our diverse community.
- Connect with FA's Director of Diversity and Multicultural Affairs.
- Enjoy music and fun for all ages
We also invite you to share in the multicultural festivities of the evening by bringing a dish to contribute to our International Potluck Buffet! Feel free to make and/or bring your favorite appetizer, salad, dessert or main entree. All dishes, including dessert, must be vegetarian. PLEASE NO EGGS OR EGG DISHES. Beverages and tableware will be provided.
2013-14
Friends celebrates diversity with 3rd annual Diversity Night
The Islamic Center of Long Island
835 Brush Hollow Road, Westbury, NY 11590
Monday, Sept. 30, 2013
On Monday, September 30, 2013, the Friends Academy community gathered at the Islamic Center of Long Island in Westbury for the third Annual Diversity Night at the Museum - a reception and celebration honoring our diverse, multicultural community.
Over 100 students (from all three divisions), parents, trustees, faculty and staff engaged in a fun, reflective evening of fellowship, worship and prayer.
The International Potluck Buffet was overflowing with a wide variety of ethnic and cultural sweet and savory treats, and attendees young and old(er) enjoyed playing a variety of cultural games from around the world. A highlight of the evening was the opportunity to observe the Islamic call to prayer and sit in silent worship in the prayer room.
“To have the chance to interact so much with the [Islamic community] at the Mosque in a true interfaith way was so meaningful,” said Head of School Bill Morris.
Shanelle Robinson, Director of Diversity and Multicultural Affairs, said of the night’s event, “There is strength in diversity, and our community was made that much stronger this evening.”
2012-13
Film screening: What would happen if we ended Black History Month?
Friends Academy Chorus Room
Helen A. Dolan Center
February 4, 2013
6:00 p.m. | Reception with filmmaker
6:30 - 8:00 p.m. | Film screening/Q&A
YOU ARE INVITED to join us for a special film screening
of "More Than a Month" with filmmaker Shukree Hassan Tilghman.
Through this thoughtful and humorous journey, the filmmaker sets out on a cross-country campaign to end Black History Month -- a provocative gambit to open a public conversation about the idea of ethnic heritage months, in general. More Than a Month is not just about a yearly tradition or history, or being black in America. It is about what it means to be an American, to fight for one’s rightful place in the American landscape, however unconventional the means. It is a film is about discovering oneself. While this event is open to all, this film may not be suitable for young children.
Diversity Night at the Museum - 2012
Monday, Oct. 1, 2012
Holocaust Memorial & Tolerance Center of Nassau County
100 Crescent Beach Road, Glen Cove, NY 11542
On Monday, October 1, 2012 nearly 100 parents, students (from all three divisions), trustees, faculty and staff Friends Academy community gathered together for the 2nd annual MOSAIC of our community: Diversity Night at the Museum. This year’s event was held at the Holocaust Memorial & Tolerance Center of Nassau County, a state-of-the-art facility and the only museum of its kind on Long Island.
Director of Diversity & Multicultural Affairs, Shanelle Robinson, and Head of School, Bill Morris, spoke to the all-school theme of community. “This event is one that truly reflects Friends Academy’s energy and enthusiasm for diversity,” said Robinson. “Tonight serves as a reflection and reinforcement of our commitment to building a community that values inclusiveness.”
Robinson also introduced Dr. Sarah Cushman, Director of Youth Education at the Holocaust Museum, who spoke of the importance of not being a bystander within a community, and standing up and speaking out against injustice. “Education without morality is dangerous to society…There were many in the Nazi regime who held Ph.D.s, but lacked humanity,” said Cushman.
Guests were also invited to “tweet” about the event and reflect on the evening’s theme of unity and diversity on the FA Twitter page.
2011-12
How can we stand together against hate?
QUERY: Are all members of (our) community treated fairly?
Wednesday, Nov. 16, 2011
On Wednesday, November 16, 2011, the Friends Academy community hosted a special film screening and panel discussion of Not In Our Town: Light in the Darkness, a one-hour PBS documentary about a Long Island town (Patchogue) taking action after anti-immigrant violence devastates their community. 60 people attended the event which was held in the Dolan Center from 6:30 – 8:30pm.
After the film, students, faculty, parents, trustees and guests engaged in lively discussion on the evening’s Query: “Are all members of our community treated fairly?” The discussion was tempered by a panel of invited guests featured in the film: Paul Pontieri, Mayor of Patchogue; Gilda Ramos, Patchogue-Medford Library; Inspector Aristedes Mojica, Suffolk County Police Department; and, Dr. Luis Valenzuela, executive director of the Long Island Immigrant Alliance. A hearty reception ended the evening.
This event was co-sponsored by the Office of Diversity and Multicultural Affairs, Parent Council, Upper School Diversity Club, and the Quaker Concerns/Student Life Committee.
WATCH THE TRAILER:
Note: This film may not be suitable for young children. Parental discretion is advised.
Diversity Night at the Museum - 2011
Monday, Oct. 27, 2011
The African American Museum
110 North Franklin St., Hempstead, NY 11550
On October 27, 2011, over 75 parents, students (from all three divisions), trustees and faculty and staff came together for a special community reception honoring and celebrating dialogue and conversation at Friends Academy.
The event, MOSAIC of our community: Diversity Night at the Museum was hosted by The African American Museum in Hempstead, NY. Guests were treated to an evening of live performances, including the Friends Academy African drumming group, led by teacher Yahaya Kamate. Live music and theatrical monologues peppered the evening.
"This was a night about connections, about reaching out to folks that you see, but don't talk to every day," said Shanelle Robinson, the new director for Diversity and Multicultural Affairs at Friends Academy.
Guests were handed flip cameras and asked to interview each other and film the performances. "This gave people a chance to switch roles -- to be both the interviewer and the interviewee," said Robinson.