When a Film Helps Shape a City's Future: Shared Legacies Advances Charlotte's One-of-a-Kind Circle of Humanity

There are moments when a documentary becomes more than a film. It becomes a catalyst for conversation, understanding, and action. We were honored that the Shared Legacies trailer was shown during the June 16 presentation to the Mecklenburg Board of County Commissioners, continuing a journey that has now touched more than 850 Charlotteans through twelve community feedback sessions. At every gathering, the trailer helped introduce audiences to the extraordinary history of Black-Jewish partnership and set the stage for a conversation about what that legacy can mean for Charlotte today.

That history has been essential to advancing the vision for Circle of Humanity: Monuments for Unity and Remembrance. What began as a conversation between NAACP Charlotte-Mecklenburg Branch Minister Corine Mack and Spill the Honey’s Rabbi Judy Schindler about preserving two important memorials evolved into something far more ambitious – a one-of-a-kind educational plaza that will unite a new Holocaust Memorial with Charlotte's Martin Luther King Jr. Memorial in Marshall Park. Together, these monuments will tell the intertwined stories of the Holocaust, the Civil Rights Movement, and the historic partnership between African Americans and Jews while inviting future generations to continue building bridges across differences. There is no place like it anywhere in the nation.

Throughout the community engagement process, Shared Legacies has served as more than an introduction – it has helped residents understand why this project matters. The film reminds audiences that Blacks and Jews have repeatedly stood together in pursuit of justice: founding the NAACP, building thousands of Rosenwald Schools, marching during the Civil Rights Movement, fighting antisemitism and racism, and demonstrating that lasting social change is built through courageous partnerships. Those stories have inspired meaningful dialogue in churches, synagogues, universities, community centers, and public forums across Mecklenburg County, helping shape a memorial that reflects the voices and aspirations of our entire community.

The June 16 County Commission presentation marked another important milestone. Commissioners responded not only to the artistic vision for Circle of Humanity but also to its deeper purpose: creating a place where history becomes a teacher and shared humanity becomes the foundation for the future. As Charlotte moves toward bringing this vision to life, we are grateful that Shared Legacies continues to help tell the story that made this project possible. It is a reminder that history is not simply something we remember -- it is something we build upon. Together, Charlotte has the opportunity to create a national model for remembrance, education, and reconciliation that will inspire generations to come.

“Whatever I can do to help, I’m going to do it… I’m here to help.” Commissioner Vilma Leake

“The Holocaust represents one of history’s most grotesque genocides and the legacy of slavery in America is our original sin in this country… contained in the Torah, contained in the Old Testament is the innovation that we’re all made in God’s image, every human being rich or poor, stranger or neighbor deserves that fundamental respect as someone who is made in the image of God. This shared partnership for me is a reminder of one of history's worst genocides and the worst legacy of what America has done wrong and brought it together to find the commonality which was a failed obligation to recognize the humanity of others and to fight for it.” Commissioner Leigh Altman

“The intersection of African Americans and the Jewish community has been a part of me growing up here in Charlotte. The concept is just phenomenal.. I want you to visualize what I’m visualizing sitting here. In 2028, Second Ward High School will reopen after being closed for 59 years. To have 2000 kids a block away to experience Circle of Humanity will last for many lifetimes… There is a phenomenal potential if those things can occur in that space so that these youngsters will be thinking about a school that’s set on that same land from 1923 to the time this community bulldozed it. To reflect on that journey with the Circle of Humanity is phenomenal. Hopefully that school will see images of MLK at their graduation in 1963 when he came to Charlotte.” Commissioner Arthur Griffin