Middlesex Community College hosted the fourth annual Day of Love, Acceptance and Belonging (LAB) on Tuesday, April 28. During the day, the college community had opportunities to reflect and explore how Middlesex fosters connection, counters hate, and celebrates humanity through meaningful conversations, shared experiences, and creative expression.
“This day serves as a powerful reminder that love, acceptance, and belonging are active commitments we make through how we show up for each other, said Maria Gariepy, MCC’s Executive Director of Strategic Priorities & Professional Development. “Through dialogue, storytelling, collective learning, creative and artistic expression, and community engagement, we create spaces to listen, learn, and build deeper connections across differences. This celebration reflects our ongoing dedication to fostering an inclusive and equitable environment where every individual feels seen, valued, and empowered to thrive.”
With activities taking place on both campuses, the key event of the day was a lecture featuring Dr. James Perry, Jr. on Hip-Hop and Black Activism. Exploring the powerful intersection of hip-hop and social justice, the session included discussions on the roots of hip-hop in Black resistance movements, hip-hop as a tool for social critique and political education, connections between past and present Black activism, and envisioning the future.
“Hip-Hop has never been separate from the social conditions it reflects,” Perry said. “It has always been a space where artists confront injustice, tell the truth about their communities, and push us to think differently about the world around us. The relationship between Hip-Hop and Black activism spans across generations. The session traces a lineage from artists like Marvin Gaye to Tupac Shakur to Kendrick Lamar and Nina Simone to Lauryn Hill to Doechii. I’m grateful to be part of MCC’s Day of Love and Belonging, a space that recognizes that building belonging requires both reflection and action.”
In both Bedford and Lowell, the community participated in the community mural with artist Sara Bernal Gomez. Employees, students and community members contributed to the mural in celebration of identity, belonging and shared experiences. In their art, participants showed what images come to mind when they think about Middlesex, how the college helps them feel like they belong, and what they love about MCC.
Featuring MCC faculty members and students, the Human Library Experience presented an opportunity for individuals to connect in meaningful one-on-one conversations. Taking place on the Lowell Campus, the goal of the event was to challenge stereotypes and foster understanding to gain new perspectives.
“I spent a lot of years feeling like my story was too complicated to explain, so the Human Library felt like the perfect space to finally just say it out loud and see if it resonated with anyone else,” said Alicia Kaminsky, an MCC Dual Enrollment student of Carlisle. “Guests were attentive, encouraging, and you could tell they were really listening to the speaker. People shared their own emotions and experiences openly, which isn't something you always get to see. It felt like a safe space for everybody involved.”
To end the day, the Bedford Campus hosted Drag Bingo for the community to come together to experience fun, music and prizes. The Day of Love, Acceptance and Belonging was co-sponsored by MCC’s Offices of Student Engagement and Strategic Priorities and Professional Development.