Related Blog Posts on Racial Justice, Racial Equity, Diversity, and & Inclusion

The author at a protest holding up a sign that reads "March Proudly"
Racial Justice

Year One Reflection: The First Jews of Color Cohort

Israel Harris
 August 15, 2022
As the Racial Justice LA, my work is rooted in my belief systems and experiences as a JOC. Not only do I get to be the person I never saw growing up, but I hope to help create more opportunities for those like me in the future. And as I finish up my first year at the RAC, I am eager to make my mark as I continue my work for another year to advocate to end the death penalty, pass legislation to study reparations for Black Americans, expand and protect the right to vote for all as we approach the primaries, and push for true policing reform. Those who are disproportionately harmed by these issues don’t have the benefit of growing up in communities who claim to be color blind. The world sees and treats us differently.
four blocks that spell out the word hope
Voting Rights

Finding Hope

fredi Bleeker Franks
 June 28, 2022
Thursday night's passage of a bi-partisan gun bill filled me with hope, even as the Supreme Court ruled against New York, which forces some states to actually loosen their gun regulations.
dairy products on wheat field table torah symbols
Jewish Learning

Favorite Jewish Teachings from Leaders of Color

Yolanda Savage-Narva
 June 2, 2022
As Shavuot approaches and we celebrate the Giving of the Torah, I have been spending some time reflecting on some of my favorite teachings from Jewish sacred literature, both those that resonate with me, and those that feel most important or most timely.
Racial Equity, Diversity, & Inclusion

Pride 2022: Celebrating and Fighting for LGBTQ+ Equality in June and Beyond

Rachel Klein
 May 27, 2022
In the story of creation, the first story we read in the Torah, we learn that every person is created b'tzelem Elohim - in the holy image of God (Genesis 1:27). Discrimination against any person arising from apathy, insensitivity, ignorance, fear, or hatred is inconsistent with this fundamental belief. It is this principle that guides that Reform Movement's advocacy for LGBTQ+ equality.
Progressive Pride Flag
LGBTQ+ Equality

Trans Day of Visibility is Just a Start

Cantor Sheri Allen
Preston Max Allen
 March 29, 2022
For a community relentlessly targeted by hateful legislation, this year’s Transgender Day of Visibility (celebrated on March 31) holds a heightened sense of urgency. I am ashamed to say that this day wasn’t even on my radar until I had a personal stake in it, but it now holds a special place of significance in my family.
Tougaloo Campus Photo
Social Justice

Two Out of Two

Yolanda Savage-Narva
 February 15, 2022
As a graduate of both Tougaloo College and Jackson State University, the recent bomb threats to Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs) are personal to me. Since January 2022, over a dozen HBCUs have received bomb threats; several of those threats were received on the first day of Black history month. The continuous attacks on institutions of higher learning; places of worship and individual attacks are a direct threat to our everyday existence.
Rosa Parks being fingerprinted on Feb 22, 1956
Racial Equity, Diversity, & Inclusion

How the Legacy of Rosa Parks Echoes in the Present

Israel Harris
Shayna Han
 February 4, 2022
Today, the anniversary of Rosa Parks’s birthday, is the ideal time to revisit her life and legacy for the inspiration and wisdom they provide. Many Americans remember Rosa Parks as the tired seamstress who refused to move to the back of a bus, but Rosa Parks is much more than that story: though she did not identify as Jewish, her life reflected a commitment that we might identify as tikkun olam – repairing what is broken in our world. Here are three key insights from Rosa Parks’ life we can bear in mind as Black History Month begins.
RAC march
Racial Equity, Diversity, & Inclusion

2021 is Almost Over: Congress Must Act Before the New Year

Lillie Heyman
Israel Harris
 December 17, 2021
We are in a time of great crisis, facing pandemics of systemic racism, poverty, climate change, voter suppression and COVID-19. Millions of Americans experience unemployment, hunger, and housing insecurity, facing the threat of climate change daily. People of Color and other marginalized communities experience the most adverse consequences. And the country continues to face endless attacks on our voting rights and reproductive rights. Before Congress breaks for their winter recess, there is much left to be done.