A Legacy of Resilience and Commitment
Our forebears faced tremendous challenges, attempting to forge a path toward justice three times before succeeding. They endured physical and emotional assaults, facing intimidation and regression in their fight for equality.
A Journey of Reflection and Action
This past weekend, I carried this poignant history with me while organizing the National Council of Jewish Women’s trip to Selma, commemorating the 60th anniversary of Bloody Sunday. This gathering brought together over 100 Jewish leaders, including a significant number of Jews of Color, all united in reflecting on the enduring legacy of the civil rights movement and contemplating its implications for our current endeavors. I firmly believe in the importance of Jewish engagement with the Civil Rights South—not solely to pay homage to the past, but also to critically evaluate our involvement, recognize when we stepped up, and acknowledge when we fell short. This history resonates with me personally; my Black ancestors were key figures in the Southern Christian Leadership Conference and the Student Nonviolent Coordinating Committee, while my Jewish ancestors actively participated in voter registration efforts for Black individuals during the 1950s and ’60s. I am confident they would take pride in the initiatives we are pursuing today.
Intentionality in Our Efforts
This experience was crafted with careful thought, placing the voices of Black women at the forefront. Our esteemed faculty, Dr. Kohenet Harriette Wimms and Rabbi Sandra Lawson, played pivotal roles in guiding our discussions. We made a conscious decision to support Black-owned businesses throughout our trip—staying at a Black-owned hotel, utilizing a bus company run by a Black woman, and dining at Black-owned restaurants and catering services. As I shared with the participants, I believe Dr. King would be proud of our focused approach, especially how we utilized our economic resources and the fact that we represented ourselves as Jews in this critical moment.
Navigating Contemporary Challenges
Presently, the journey ahead is fraught with difficulties.
With the alarming rise of antisemitism, there is a tendency within our community to retreat and prioritize self-preservation over standing in solidarity with others. This instinct is undeniably human; fear and trauma can create a compelling urge to withdraw. However, history teaches us that justice often requires the opposite response—advancing boldly across divides, despite the fear.
A Call for Unity
Our civil rights movement stands at its own pivotal crossroads.
It is no exaggeration to assert that many within our communities are facing direct attacks. Access to reproductive healthcare is being systematically dismantled. Trans and nonbinary individuals are under sustained assault. Mass deportations persist. Public education is under attack, disproportionately affecting those with disabilities and learning differences. Voting rights are being stripped away. The list continues to grow, and much like the challenges faced in Selma, the forces opposing our progress are powerful, well-funded, and unyielding.
The Fork in the Road
This brings us to a crucial choice. Will we turn back, or will we boldly step forward, acknowledging that the journey will be arduous?
Lessons from Selma
The narrative of Selma teaches us that achieving justice is rarely an instantaneous victory. As we strive to advance, we will encounter setbacks—experienced both physically and emotionally. We will face intimidation and be told that the barriers are insurmountable. Nevertheless, we must rise, time and again, and stand unified at the base of the bridge. Perhaps our battle will necessitate three attempts. Perhaps five. Or even more. But what truly matters is that we continue to rise and stand together, arm in arm, resolutely at the foot of the bridge.
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