‘Where Stories Meet’: Chicago Community Forum Brings Blacks and Jews Together for Joint Celebration of Heritage

The Combat Antisemitism Movement (CAM), in partnership with Leap Forward’s Interfaith Bridge Building Movement, hosted a special forum in Chicago on Sunday marking Jewish American Heritage Month (JAHM), Juneteenth, and the upcoming 250th U.S. Independence Day.

Around 20 Black and Jewish artists, educators, and youth came together at Hyde Park Art Center for hands-on cultural art workshop and shared meal exploring heritage, memory, and hope through guided craftsmaking and storytelling.

The art workshop was led by Russian Jewish American teaching artist Alisa Rodny, from Boston, and African American teaching artist Malika Jackson, from Chicago.

“Storytelling and art are some of the most powerful tools we have for connection,” said CAM African-American Alliance Manager Dazia Wallerson. “At the heart of this work, we are sparking relationships through creative means. There’s less room for hate when we’re in proximity, creating side by side.”

“This is a model we intend to repeat at CAM,” she added.

Read more:

The Torch We Must Carry Forward Together: A ‌Juneteenth ‌Reflection

‘A Vision Coming to Life’: More Than 100 Leaders Join First National Convening of Black-Jewish Alliance

‘We Are Not Alone’: Black and Jewish Communities Build Understanding and Connection at Baltimore Unity Dinner

‘Combating Hate Together’: Philadelphia Black-Jewish Unity Forum Drives Collective Action Against Racism and Antisemitism

Op-Ed: Relationship Over Rhetoric Is the Only Way Forward

CAM Marks Martin Luther King Jr. Day With Education and Call for Unity Against Hate