People of all faiths are invited to join the Arizona Jewish Historical Society and Pilgrim Rest Baptist Church for a special free screening of “Shared Legacies: The African-American Jewish Civil Rights Alliance” on Wednesday, Jan. 19, at 6 pm. This exciting new documentary film highlights the important alliance between African-Americans and Jewish-Americans that helped propel the Civil Rights movement of the 1960s. The screening will also include a short panel discussion on the history of Jewish and African-American relations and how our communities have evolved since the 1960s.
This event is a continuation of previous collaborations between the Arizona Jewish Historical Society and Pilgrim Rest Baptist Church to promote dialogue and understanding between our two communities, as well as people of all races and religions.
Screening rights for this film have been sponsored by Judith Dobbs, Toby and Abbey Goldberg, Barry Kipnis, Ilene Lashinsky, Joan and Sam Weissman, and the Rachel and Arnold Smith Family Foundation.
“Shared Legacies: The African-American Jewish Civil Rights Alliance” showcases the modern alliance between African-Americans and Jewish Americans that dates to the NAACP founding in 1909. Since then, both groups have endured segregation and racism, from the codified bigotry of southern Jim Crow laws, to blatant bias in real estate, employment, higher education and politics.
Common cause was found in the turbulent ‘60s Civil Rights era, as Jewish leaders backed Dr. King’s efforts at racial equality and harmony. Yet, the relationship has frayed in recent years, as a once-mighty bond of support and respect has seemingly faded, been forgotten, or ignored.
With divisive seeds of hate taking root anew in the American landscape, a new generation affirms their pledge to actively promote the values of social justice. This powerful, inspiring story of unity, empathy and partnership validates the ubiquity of the human experience, and how freedom and equality for all can be achieved only when people come together.
“Shared Legacies: The African-American Jewish Civil Rights Alliance”
When: Wednesday, Jan. 19 at 6 pm; doors open at 5:30 pm
Where: Pilgrim Rest Baptist Church, 1401 E. Jefferson St., Phoenix
Tickets: Free admission, no RSVP required
Information: azjhs.org and pilgrimrestphx.org
