Editor’s Note: Letters to the editor represent the opinion of the reader who submits it and does not necessarily represent the opinions of WestfordCAT, its employees, sponsors, donors, Board of Directors, or any other affiliate.
Submitted By Wendy Gloyd, Westford Resident
I grew up in Westford believing in the idea of the United States as a “melting pot”—a place where people blend together. As a child, I saw it as a symbol of unity. But unity without respect often means erasing difference. And in Westford, as elsewhere, there have been hurtful divides—like the idea that unless you were born and raised here, you are not a “true Westfordian.” That message still echoes today, but it need not define us. Whether a family arrived generations ago or last week, we all share the same right to belong.
A better recipe for community is a salad bowl, seasoned generously with respect. In a salad bowl, difference isn’t melted away but honored and seen. Each ingredient retains its identity while contributing to something greater than the sum of its parts. Over the past year, I’ve seen this vision begin to take root in Westford, through celebrations like the Apple Blossom Festival, LGBTQ+ Pride Flag Raising, Acton-Westford LGBTQ+ Pride, Juneteenth, India Independence, and the International Block Party & Diversity Festival. Now, as we observe Indigenous Peoples’ Day (IPD) and Italian American Heritage Month (IAHM), we have another chance to reimagine how we live together in the present.
Celebrating Fully
IPD reminds us this land was home to vibrant Native cultures long before colonization—and that those cultures persist today with resilience and wisdom. IAHM honors an immigrant community that endured discrimination yet contributed deeply to the nation’s arts, labor, politics, and identity. These histories are not in competition—they are threads in our shared fabric. Recognizing one does not diminish another; lifting up all stories gives us a fuller picture of who we are.
The salad bowl doesn’t ask anyone to be less of themselves—it invites each of us to bring our whole selves forward and respect when others do the same. By making space at the table instead of deciding who no longer deserves a seat, we learn and emerge stronger.
Designing Inclusion with Intention
A salad bowl society doesn’t just happen—it’s crafted. It requires intention: balancing flavors, creating space for contrast, and valuing each contribution. Inclusion is not about tolerating difference—it’s about honoring it with respect for each person’s full identity. Some worry that celebrating differences—what they call “identity politics”—divides us. But what truly divides us is asking people to erase themselves in order to belong. The melting pot may sound like unity, but it pressures people to conform, leaving them unseen or unsafe. That’s not harmony; that’s quiet exclusion.
The salad bowl offers a more sustainable unity. It says: bring your whole self, and I will meet you with curiosity, not fear. When people feel respected and included, they are more likely to contribute, collaborate, and care about the community as a whole. True inclusion means people feel safe, seen, and respected as themselves. It means we can disagree without dehumanizing, and that belonging rests on being welcomed as we are.
Honoring Heritage Together
Observing IPD and IAHM side by side reminds us that our community grows stronger when all stories are honored together. These observances also point to a larger truth: Westford has always been shaped by newcomers. From its beginnings as a mill town, immigrants brought their skills, traditions, and determination to weave themselves into the community fabric.
Generations of immigrant families have lived here, raised children, and invested in our schools, businesses, and civic life. Whether a family arrived long ago or just recently, we are all part of Westford’s shared community.
A Westford Worth Building
Westford is at its best when we remember we’re not just individuals—we’re a community. How we celebrate and design public spaces reflects who we are becoming. That’s why the renovation of our public library matters. It’s more than books—it’s a gathering space welcoming to all.
When we say we want to “bring the community together,” let’s not imagine uniformity. Instead, let’s aim for something more courageous: mutual care. Let Westford be a place where Indigenous people feel their heritage is honored. Where immigrant families see their stories celebrated. Where everyone—regardless of race, religion, gender identity, or background—knows they are not just accepted, but valued for who they are.
Westford doesn’t need to melt its people into one. We bring our whole selves—seasoned with respect. That’s a salad bowl we can all celebrate.
