Black History Month Assembly Centers on Empathy in Action

St. Sebastian’s annual Black History Month Assembly on Friday, February 27, centered on this year’s theme, “Empathy in Action.” Students and faculty opened by singing “We Shall Overcome,” crossing arms and linking hands in a powerful reminder of the solidarity shown by civil rights marchers who stood shoulder to shoulder in the face of danger.

Fr. Chris Boyle opened the assembly with a prayer thanking God for the lives and courage of those who have helped illuminate the inherent dignity and equality of every person. He invited the community to grow in understanding and love, concluding, “Form us into people of empathy and action, people who do not stand by, but who step forward, people who listen, who respect, and who uphold the dignity of every person we encounter.”

Wachira Njoroge ’26, President of Men with Positive Attitudes (MPA), introduced keynote speaker Kyle White ’09 by sharing reflections from his former teachers and coaches— a standout athlete who balanced hard work with joy and earned the respect of his peers. After graduating from St. Sebastian’s with his twin brother, Cedric, Kyle attended Bowdoin College and later earned his MBA from Boston College. He now works as a client portfolio manager at Income Research and Management and serves on St. Sebastian’s Board of Trustees. Beyond his professional work, he is a husband, father of two daughters, and football referee.

In his address, Kyle reflected on what it means to be “noticed before being known,” sharing how the empathy of his teachers and coaches at St. Sebastian’s created space for him to grow and believe in himself. He also spoke about how his family, including his grandmother and mother, modeled empathy— advocating for others who didn’t have a voice and demonstrating how to treat people with dignity and care. Kyle challenged students to lead with integrity, urging them to “speak up when something’s wrong, hold your teammates and friends to a standard that reflects your values, and use your voice, education, and influence to make spaces better for the people around you.”

Carter Dedier ’26, MPA Second Vice President, shared highlights from MPA’s recent One Aim meeting on the Black student experience. The gathering created space for honest dialogue about subtle isolation, stereotypes, and preparing classrooms for sensitive discussions. Students from various backgrounds spoke about solidarity—standing up for one another, especially when someone feels outnumbered. Faculty member Rick Dashiell praised the students’ courage in fostering difficult conversations and affirmed that One Aim fulfills the school’s call to “take good care of one another.” Another member of the faculty, Deirdre Rynne Annan, emphasized leadership as creating and holding space, reminding the community, through the words of Archbishop Desmond Tutu, that neutrality in injustice sides with the oppressor. Abner Machuca-Diaz ’27 reflected on recognizing similar experiences as a Mexican student and expressed gratitude for a brotherhood that continues to grow stronger through honest dialogue.

After the closing hymn, “Lift Every Voice and Sing,” Head of School Brendan Sullivan celebrated the leadership behind One Aim and thanked Kyle White for the example he sets. He emphasized Kyle’s intentional commitment to service and expressed pride in alumni who return as devoted husbands, fathers, and leaders who continue to strengthen the community.

The school thanks Men With Positive Attitudes for organizing the assembly under the leadership of faculty moderator Trevor McLean and expresses gratitude to Kyle White ’09 for his inspiring message of empathy in action.