While diversity is a core value at Concord Academy, navigating identity and belonging can still be a challenging experience. Each student’s journey to CA is unique, and while no one can fully understand someone else’s individual experience, surrounding oneself with people who share similar identities is a great way to develop a sense of belonging. Affinity spaces at CA provide an environment where students with shared identities can come together, reflect, and build meaningful connections.
There are 12 affinity spaces on campus, each serving as a welcoming community for marginalized groups of students. These identity-based spaces, centered around race, religion, sexuality, and gender identity, offer programming, discussions, activities, and a sense of belonging. Built on the foundations of unity, they strive to create a campus where all students have the support to express themselves, feel safe, and be vulnerable. Connecting with peers who have shared experiences allows students to celebrate their identities and process challenges.
Affinity groups meet weekly, but participation is flexible as coheads aim for these spaces to be low-pressure and welcoming. Some meetings focus on discussions about current events that impact the group, while others are more relaxed, offering a place to unwind, chat with friends, watch a movie, or indulge in arts and crafts. Each affinity space is unique and tailored to what its members want to see, ensuring every voice is heard.
In addition to weekly meetings, most affinity spaces host school-wide events. While building a strong community within each space is vital, so is making a positive impact on the broader CA community. Affinity spaces have hosted numerous fun events on campus. Some of the most recent events include the Umoja Cookout, hosted by Umoja (CA’s affinity space for Black, African, and African American students), and a Squid Games-inspired tournament, hosted by the East Asian Student Association.
Each affinity space is run by one or two coheads who facilitate conversations, organize meetings, and support their members. These coheads are also members of CA’s Diversity Coalition (DivCo), a group that focuses on creating strong leadership in affinity spaces, fostering inclusivity, and uplifting students' voices. DivCo is overseen by CA’s Community & Equity (C&E) Office, led by Director Alexis Dinkins and Assistant Director Alex Holmes, who provide guidance and support to student leaders.
No students have to conform to affinity spaces in any way; rather, the spaces present opportunities to embrace individualism and identity. Caroline Espinosa ’26 has spent a lot of time in these spaces as both a member and a leader. As one of the Multiethnic Student Organization (MESO) coheads and a student representative of C&E, she has taken on an important leadership role in fostering inclusive environments. When asked about her experience in affinity spaces, she reflected, “At first, the idea of affinity spaces was honestly intimidating, and I was worried I wouldn’t hit some standard or definition necessary to fit in. Instead, I found that these communities have helped me to find my own sense of identity and allowed me to meet so many friends.”
In embracing diversity, honoring each individual, and gaining understanding of ourselves and each other, affinity spaces bring CA’s mission statement to life. They create spaces where students feel valued, celebrate their identities, and have the opportunity to grow and learn from each other.