Needham Diversity Initiative

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Needham Diversity Initiative

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Join community leaders, friends, students, and neighbors for this annual event, first launched in 2012 by 30 individuals who came together to foster, strengthen, and celebrate Needham's diversity. The annual Summit brings together over 50 formal and informal organizations and groups to participate--from local non-profit and youth associations, to town officials, neighborhood groups, and houses or worship. Throughout the day-long event, participants explore how to make diversity and equity key elements in our community through discussions, keynote speakers, and participatory discussions.

10/06/2026

‘Immigration: Update and Opportunities’ has been RESCHEDULED to Monday, November 16th from 7pm - 8:30pm.

Join the Needham Diversity Initiative and Needham Area Immigration Justice Task Force to hear from both lawyers and community allies about how current immigration policies are affecting people living in Massachusetts and in our own community of Needham.

Speakers will include staff from the Metrowest Worker Center – Casa and Needham residents who volunteer in various ways, including offering financial and emotional supports, such as accompanying people to hearings and assisting in everyday needs.

It will be held at the Congregational Church of Needham, which has plenty of parking in the back and an accessible entrance, at 1154 Great Plain Avenue, Needham.

All are welcome to this free event on November 16th.

www.needhamdiversity.org
www.immigrationneedham.org

09/27/2026

Due to the continuing weather concerns, we have made the difficult and disappointing decision to postpone tonight's event. As the rain continues, and flooding is a potential, it is the prudent decision. We want everyone to be safe and comfortable coming out to learn about the current state of immigration and opportunities to support..

Our apologies for the short notice! We will let you know when we have rescheduled.

09/24/2026

The ‘Immigration: Update and Opportunities’ Event is happening this Sunday evening!

Now is your chance to hear from both lawyers and community allies about how current immigration policies are affecting people living in Massachusetts and in our own community of Needham. ICE activity has recently intensified across our state, with increased targeting of people without criminal convictions and a surge of violent arrests and detentions, especially in communities like New Bedford and Dartmouth. This has prompted both protests and a response by the Governor, and a desire know more about what we can do to help our neighbors.

Speakers will include staff from the Metrowest Worker Center – Casa and Needham residents who volunteer in various ways, including offering financial and emotional supports, such as accompanying people to hearings and assisting in everyday needs.

You are invited by Needham Diversity Initiative and Needham Area Immigration Justice Task Force to come to this free and informative event on September 27th at 7:00pm - don't let the rainy weather forecast stop you. It will be at the Congregational Church of Needham, which has plenty of parking in the back and an accessible entrance, at 1154 Great Plain Avenue, Needham.

www.needhamdiversity.org
www.immigrationneedham.org

08/19/2026

Needham Diversity Initiative and Needham Area Immigration Justice Task Force invite you to a community event in support of our immigrant neighbors!

‘Immigration: Update and Opportunities’ will be held on Sunday, September 27, at 7 pm at the Congregational Church of Needham.

Get an update on current immigration policies and procedures, learn how the Metrowest Worker Center – Casa del Trabajador supports immigrant families locally, and find out how you can help. All are welcome.

www.needhamdiversity.org
www.immigrationneedham.org

07/17/2026

The "We Are All A Work Of Art" photos are up on our website photo gallery!

There are so many beautiful, joyful portraits of folks from along the July 4th Parade route in Needham who chose to jump into the frame. Please visit our website at: Needhamdiversity.org and scroll through the photo carousel to see them!

This project is the spirit of Harlem-based artist Lorraine O'Grady. Needham Diversity Initiative volunteers carried an empty picture frame with the words: 'WE ARE ALL A WORK OF ART.' Through the collective July 4th portraits, we are drawing attention to the fact that we are ALL a part of this rich, beautiful tapestry that represents our diverse country. Together, we are writing the next chapter.

07/07/2026

At Needham’s 4th of July Parade, on this 250th birthday of our nation, the Needham Diversity Initiative members and volunteers brought messages of love, justice, and inclusion to our streets, calling also for greater empathy, compassion, hope and community belonging. In the spirit of Harlem-based artist Lorraine O'Grady, they carried an empty picture frame with the words: 'WE ARE ALL A WORK OF ART.' Through the empty picture frame, they also wanted to emphasize that we are ALL a part of this rich, beautiful tapestry that represents our diverse country. Thank you to everyone who marched with NDI in the Parade and agreed to jump in our frame and have their picture taken! We wish you a joyful and compassionate summer.

Stayed tuned to see the full collection of pictures on our website! www.needhamdiversity.org

07/04/2026

The Needham Diversity Initiative marched in the 4th of July Parade with various art pieces, including this frame that captured State Senator Becca Rausch, Select Board Chair Heidi Frail, and Astronaut Sunita Williams, who was the 2026 Parade Grand Marshal.

07/03/2026

Come march in the 4th of July Parade with the Needham Diversity Initiative!

All are welcome to join us on the 2 mile route that starts at the Needham Town Common and ends by Memorial Field. We will provide the art pieces created at Race Amity Day and for the Martin Luther King, Jr. Day Celebration, along with the NDI banner and NDI Strength in Diversity yard signs, which will be carried in the Parade. There will also be a beautiful wooden horse from Jamaica Plain’s Wake Up the Earth Festival that will be pushed by us.

Gather up your family (especially kids and grandchildren who have always wanted to be in a parade), friends, and neighbors and meet us at Greene’s Field (at the corner of Great Plain Avenue and Pickering Street) at 8:30am so we can be ready to line up at our assigned spot at 8:45. For those unable to walk the whole way, they are invited to jump in and join us from anywhere along the route.

It is exhilarating to be cheered on by the crowds who line the parade route, and you’ll have a lot of fun, despite the hot weather. This year, we are cerebrating our nation’s 250 years of independence with messages of love and community.

Let us know if you’ll be marching with NDI by sending a PM or an email to [email protected] .

www.needhamdiversity.org

06/21/2026

Thank you to everyone who participated in Race Amity Day last week!

The afternoon of June 14th on the Needham Town Common was full of community spirit as we celebrated diversity and friendships. The Needham High School students in the Parade Art Workshop did face painting and assisted in creating hearts and signs that will be carried in Needham’s 4th of July Parade. The Needham Police Department sent their K9 Officers Rocket and Ghost and their handlers to mingle with the crowd. Yard signs, including Hate Has No Home Here and Needham Has Pride were available for voluntary donations. Live music from What the world needs now - Interfaith Coalition Singers made it a festive event. Thank you to the co-sponsors Needham Diversity Initiative and Needham Human Rights Committee and the assistance of the Needham Town Government in making it a wonderful celebration.

If you are interested in marching in the Parade with NDI or would like a yard sign, please send an email to [email protected] .

Race Amity Day celebrates the friendships between people of different races and cultures, and recognizes the collaborations which advance equity and social justice.

www.needhamdiversity.org

06/18/2026

Join state and local leaders and your Needham neighbors in observing Juneteenth on June 19, 2006 at 9:30am on Needham Town Common.

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Needham, MA

Website

http://needhamdiversity.org/

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