Youth-centered community showcase will bring Westford together through music, art, reflection, and hope.
WESTFORD, Mass. — The Westford Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Committee will present Westford United: Harmony Against Hate on Saturday, August 29, from 6:00 to 8:00 p.m. at the Parish Center for the Arts, 10 Lincoln Street, Westford.
The free community event is being organized in response to recent antisemitic and racist graffiti in Westford. Rather than allowing those acts to have the final word, the evening will bring students, families, and neighbors together through youth voices, music, movement, spoken word, and community reflection.
“This event is an opportunity for Westford to respond to hate by showing what we want our community to stand for,” said Wendy Gloyd, Westford DEI Committee Vice Chair.
“We want young people to know that their voices matter and that they can help build a community where people feel welcomed, valued, and safe. The evening will acknowledge why we are gathering, but its larger message will be one of belonging, solidarity, and hope.”
The program is being developed as a youth-centered community showcase featuring primarily middle and high school students. Youth participants may contribute music, dance, speeches, poetry, spoken word, theatre, or other forms of creative expression.
Contributions will explore themes such as being an upstander, taking pride in one’s culture or identity, choosing kindness and courage over hate, standing beside people who are excluded or targeted, and creating a community where everyone knows, “You belong here.”
The performances do not need to be serious or directly address the graffiti. Organizers hope the gathering will be meaningful while also feeling uplifting, creative, and celebratory.
People of all ages are invited to attend. Admission is free, with donations to the Parish Center for the Arts
welcomed.
Event details
Westford United: Harmony Against Hate
Saturday, August 29, 2026
6:00–8:00 p.m.
Parish Center for the Arts
10 Lincoln Street, Westford, Massachusetts
Free admission; donations to the PCA are welcome
For additional information, contact Valery Young at vyoung@westfordk12.us
About the event
Westford United: Harmony Against Hate is sponsored by the Westford Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Committee. The event is intended to affirm that hate has no home in Westford and to create space for young people and community members to express unity, belonging, culture, courage, and hope.
