The Heart of Brentwood BIPOC

12 May 2026Max C, Ellis '26

Discovering what BIPOC means to the student body is imperative to understanding how the program benefits Brentwood College School. The BIPOC (Black, Indigenous, and People of Colour) club offers a way for Brentwood’s diverse student body to understand one another and change the school in a way that best benefits those who require a voice. Without people like Brandon R, Ellis ‘26, William L, Ellis ‘26, and Kartik M, Privett ‘26, the Brentwood community wouldn’t all be as able to heard for who they are and for what they desire to express about themselves.

BIPOC serves as an outlet that provides a feeling of safety and community to those who desire one, and according to Brandon R, Ellis ‘26, “It’s a wonderful place and time to share ideas, helping to contribute to Brentwood’s multicultural environment”. As Brandon has come to understand BIPOC, “It’s a way for students to get to know each other” and to support one another in times of need, whether that be for minor or major events. BIPOC offers opportunities for students to express themselves and help the greater community.

Look at Brandon who “volunteered at the multicultural society, as well as dinner events”. He is a stellar example of a student who was able to have a positive impact on the student body and support the community with his actions. With dozens of volunteers, BIPOC offers a unique opportunity for students to give back to the community while still providing a community for them to lean on when needed.

Will L, Ellis ‘26 believes that the people who need a voice are “the variety of students who desire to express themselves, but don’t know how to”. He has come to understand that students who need a megaphone need an organization that provides that service, and that’s exactly what BIPOC provides to the student body.

Students who participate in BIPOC and have platformed it as a positive experience become the power that sparks change within the school community. Students support BIPOC, and BIPOC supports students. It becomes a circular system where teachers and students alike collaborate to create a safe environment for one another.

Brentwood aims to educate students on the importance of diversity and inclusion, and with various discussions with students, I’ve gotten to understand the beauty within the program. With each boarding house having a representative from B-Well, BEAT, OMNI & BIPOC, Brentwood is getting on top of student issues: BIPOC is just one of the many positive outlets that support them.

With the guidance of Mrs. Gage, the teacher sponsor, BIPOC has been able to flourish and address the issues that students identfy. She “uses incentives such as food and events to promote a multicultural student body as well as helping the BIPOC program grow”. They also host dinner events and meetings to attract even more potential members.

Mrs. Gage has worked with students in each boarding house to establish connections and gateways to talk to one another. BIPOC is a program founded on togetherness, built around the necessity of the student voice being heard. BIPOC fosters good people, and good people foster BIPOC. The devotion that the students and Ms Gage provide is what makes BIPOC an active part of Brentwood’s inclusive culture

Max C, Ellis ‘26

Where Students Choose To Be