Inspired by the high school’s cultural exposition day, where foods from different regions are on offer, local students involved with Belmont Against Racism (BAR) suggested a community potluck to mark the end of Black History Month.
“We grownups cannot take credit for [the potluck idea],” said Belmont resident Didier Moïse, BAR’s president. “The spirit is to bring people together and celebrate.”
A shared community meal reflects BAR’s mission, which is to foster dialogue, awareness, and understanding of institutional racism, address the problems of injustice however manifested, and promote equity and inclusion, according to its website.
The free potluck, which will take place on Feb. 28 at the Beech Street Center, needs volunteers to cook, bake, fry, or blend their favorite dishes and bring them to the event.
Moïse said BAR, which was created in 1992, is not a political organization but a community action group that aims to make the town “a place where people of all backgrounds feel welcome.” However, he said he knows that “some community members feel disheartened and scared” in the current climate.
“We need community more than ever,” he said.
The potluck, which Moïse hopes will bring hundreds of hungry residents together, will be a fun and meaningful way for people to share their cultures, traditions, and tasty treats.
In addition to the food, there will be music, and the winner of the T-Shirt Design Competition and the recipients of the Henry Tapia Scholarships will be announced. The funds will be awarded to Belmont students who have overcome hardships to graduate. The scholarship is named after Tapia, a Belmont father of three, who was murdered in a racist road rage incident in 2021.
Moïse said he hopes many residents and even restaurants participate in the celebration.
“The more people that come, the better,” he said.
The Belmont Against Racism Black History Month Community Potluck will take place on Friday, Feb. 28, from 5 to 8 p.m., at the Beech Street Center, 266 Beech St. The event is free, but reservations are required. For more information, visit belmontagainstracism.org/bhm2025communitypotluck.
For more information on Belmont Against Racism, visit belmontagainstracism.org/.
