Shared Legacies Workshop in Los Angeles: Here’s What Our Educators Had to Say

The Shared Legacies national education initiative is gaining momentum. This past Sunday afternoon, more than 50 educators and administrators—joined by 10 additional community leaders—attended our Shared Legacies Professional Development Workshop, sponsored by Holocaust Museum LA. Collectively, these educators reach nearly 5,000 students each year.

As U.S. historian Henry Brooks Adams once said, “A teacher affects eternity; you can never tell where their influence stops.” We feel the truth of that statement as our film and curriculum continue to reach broader and more diverse circles.

In Los Angeles, teachers from a variety of backgrounds brought their passion, insights, frustrations, and openness to learning. They explored how the lessons of the historic African American–Jewish civil rights alliance can inform and inspire their work today.

How Will They Use the Film and Curriculum?

Here’s what some participants shared:

• “I can share this film with my class to introduce the concept of solidarity between different communities.”

• “This film can foster thoughtful conversation and develop empathy.”

• “I work in a predominantly Jewish-serving school. This curriculum can highlight the struggles, relationships, and intersectionality between African American and Jewish American communities.”

• “I plan to use this resource to build stronger alliances within the Latino community.”

Educators envisioned using the Shared Legacies film and curriculum across multiple

disciplines—including English, history, social science, and beyond.

A Day of Dialogue, Reflection, and Inspiration

The day began with a shared meal and meaningful dialogue hosted by Challah & Soul, and concluded with a powerful conversation featuring Dr. Benjamin F. Chavis, Jr., Spill the Honey Board Chair and the youngest organizer to work with Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. and Dr. Michael Berenbaum, renowned Holocaust scholar and author.

After the screening of the documentary, Spill the Honey Curriculum Director, Brian Knowles, led a training on the pedagogy that supports the curriculum and Antar Davidson shared the power of our Spill the Honey Hip Hop Music Program. Engagement and enthusiasm were palpable.

Reflections from Attendees:

• “As an HBCU graduate, I appreciated the history of Jewish professors in the civil rights movement.”

• “Powerful. Very inspired.”

• “I loved the inclusion of the two rappers—they would really resonate with our students and draw them into the cause.”

• “The entire day was filled with hope—something we need during these dark times.”

• “I was inspired to hear how the Latinx community can contribute to today’s social justice efforts.”

• “This has been a very difficult time for my community. Participating in this program gave me the energy and hope to keep going.”

We are grateful to the Holocaust Museum LA for sponsoring the program, to the Jewish Federation Los Angeles for hosting us, and to Challah & Soul for partnering with us. We are honored to support and amplify the voices of educators who are carrying forward the legacy of unity, resilience, and justice.