Amplifying Voices
A Series on the Intersection of Black and Jewish Identities
Jewish individuals, and other Americans are in a moment of potential vulnerability and growth, recognizing privilege and identifying differently. As more and more people realize the need to move from non-racist to anti-racist beliefs and actions we are witnessing a moment in history pregnant with possibilities.
Amplifying Voices marries internal tshuva -- personal pattern breaking, growth and reckoning -- in a series of programs with artists, authors, activities and thought leaders inside and outside the Jewish community to reflect on race, religion and identity. We invite the Jewish community and beyond into authentic and meaningful conversation designed to move the needle on how we all engage in the world with sensitivity and compassion. Presented in partnership with the Tucson JCC.
Stories of Exclusion, Stories of Change:
Jews of Color Speak about Moving from Welcoming to Belonging
Sunday, December 6 | 12:30pm EST
Panelists April Baskin, Gamal Palmer and Evan Traylor will be in discussion about their experiences as Jews of Color and sharing strategies to combat Racism and Anti-Semitism. Moderated by Candace Manriquez Wrenn, Director and Associate Producer for the Marketplace Morning Report.
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Learning the Land: A Virtual Civil Rights Tour
Sunday, January 31, 2021 | 6:00pm EST
Participate in a virtual Civil Rights Tour and interactive discussion with T. Marie King, with an emphasis on the cities of Birmingham, Montgomery and Selma. Moderated by Samantha Dubrinsky, Executive Director of the Levite Jewish Community Center.
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Ritual Intersections in the Music Studio
Sunday, February 21, 2021 | 6:00pm EST
Tune in to a musical Freedom Seder in celebration of what unites the Jewish, Black, and Jewish-Black communities. Featuring the Afro-Semitic Experience, a band co-founded by African-American jazz pianist Warren Byrd, and Jewish-American jazz bassist David Chevan in 1998, that combines an eclectic array of styles, sophisticated musicianship, good songwriting, deep grooves, and years of friendship with a simple message: Unity in the Community.
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Past Events:
By the Book: Understanding the Last 50 Years
Sunday, October 18 | 7:00pm EST
Marc Dollinger, Chair in Jewish Studies and Social Responsibility at San Francisco State University, will speak about his book, Black Power, Jewish Politics: Reinventing the Alliance of the 1960s, followed by a discussion with by Dr. Gil Ribak, Associate Professor at the Arizona Center for Judaic Studies at the University of Arizona.
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Behind the Screen: Chicago as a Microcosm
Sunday, November 8 | 6:00pm EST
Tamar Manasseh, the African American rabbinical student who is leading the fight against senseless killings on the south side of Chicago, will be in discussion with a representative of the Jews of Color Initiative. Event includes link to view the documentary film, They Ain’t Ready for Me, in advance of the discussion.
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Jews of Color and Jewish Community Diversity
Wednesday, November 18 | 2:00pm EST
Join Ilana Kaufman, Executive Director of the Jews of Color Field Building Initiative, for a lunch, learn and discussion. Framed by the notion that US Jews are part of a multiracial Jewish community, together we will explore the intersection of Jewish community, identity, racial justice and equity.
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Live-captioning is available through Maryland Relay Service. Learn More ->