(Davie, FL) — U.S. Congresswoman Debbie Wasserman Schultz (Weston) addressed students at Piper High School, in Davie, about the history and significance of African American and Jewish relations and the importance of minority rights, through a video presentation of “From Swastika to Jim Crow.” The event was part of a series of programs Rep. Wasserman Schultz has participated in to mark the second year of Jewish American Heritage Month, a national month devoted to recognizing the cultural contributions of American Jews.
Using the video to teach students about acceptance of others and reducing bigotry and hate, Congresswoman Wasserman Schultz facilitated discussions amongst the students of Piper High School after a showing of the film. Break-out groups comprised of different topics took place during the Congresswoman’s visit to the school.
The presentation to students of Piper High School explored Black-Jewish relations in the United States as it dissects the interaction between European Jewish refugee scholars and historically Black colleges and universities (HBCUs). Early Jewish refugees’ acceptance in America was limited due to recovery from the Great Depression and rampant anti-Semitism and many early Jewish scholars found jobs at HBCUs. Aired on PBS, the film From Swastika to Jim Crow, created by Joel Sucher and Steven Fischler, is based on a book by German refugee Gabrielle Edgcomb. The filmmakers discovered the book after reading a 1995 letter to the editor in The New York Times.
“When a film shows how diverse backgrounds can positively relate to, and benefit from, one another, it sends a strong message to those who watch it”, said Rep. Wasserman Schultz. “This is a wonderful opportunity to teach today’s young people about tolerance and understanding, so that we can continue to create generations of Americans who are free of racism and bigotry.”
The film has received many positive reviews and acclaim from organizations such as the American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU) and The National Association for the Advancement of Colored People (NAACP).
“The story of Black-Jewish relations in the United States is a long and complex one…. Jews were among those who worked to establish the NAACP in 1909. African-American newspapers were among the first in the U.S. to denounce Nazism…. From Swastika to Jim Crow creates hope and reminds us of a time in U.S. history when the two communities came together”, said David Horowitz of the Washington Review.
