25th Annual Hartford Jewish Virtual Film Festival | Shared Legacies

Documentary | 2020 | USA | 97 minutes | English

Directed by Dr. Shari Rogers

The crucial historical lessons of Black-Jewish cooperation are revisited and revived in this utterly fascinating, urgent call to action. The modern alliance between African Americans and Jewish Americans 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 been ignored. Pivotal events come alive through a treasure trove of archival materials narrated by eyewitnesses, activists, Holocaust survivors, and leaders of the movement. With divisive seeds of hate taking root again in the American landscape, a new generation also affirms their pledge to actively promote the values of social justice. (Source: JxJ DC)

TRAILER: https://youtu.be/FcEu_1jDHiI

Sponsored By: TD Bank

Community Partners: Jewish Federation: Jewish Community Relations Council, Jewish Community Foundation: ELLEN JEANNE GOLDFARB Memorial Fund, UConn Center for Judaic Studies and Contemporary Jewish Life

ALEPH/REEL TALK | March 16 – 1:00 p.m. | March 18 – 7:30 p.m.
The Reel Talk programs featuring special guest panelists seek to enrich your cinematic experience with background, opinions, and interpretations. These filmmakers, authors, academics, and historians join us for live programs along with Q&A sessions on Zoom.

Guest Panelist: Professor Susannah Heschel, Professor of Jewish Studies at Dartmouth College
Tickets: $5 per household