Synagogue and church congregations explore 'Common Roots' in two-part series

Park Synagogue and Cory United Methodist Church invite the community to a free, two-part series on the theme “Common Roots: Facing Our Past, Building Our Future.” The first program is planned for Sunday, Feb. 24, and the second for March 31.

The two congregations share a history of persecution, as Jews and as African Americans. They are coming together to learn more about their histories, and discuss what they and others can do to make positive changes in our society.

In part one of the series, “Ballots & Bullets—Black Power, Politics & Urban Guerrilla Warfare in 1968 Cleveland,” Cleveland author James Robenalt will discuss the racism, political climate and lack of opportunities for African Americans in Cleveland that led to the Glenville riots in 1968. Whether you lived in Cleveland at the time, or only have heard about the riots, come to learn the startling history of this incident.

This program will take place on Sunday, Feb. 24, at Park Synagogue Main, 3300 Mayfield Road, in Cleveland Heights. Doors open at 12:30 p.m., and the program will begin at 1 p.m.

Part two, “Fighting Oppression & Discrimination—Past & Present,” will feature Marsha Mockabee, president and CEO of the Urban League of Greater Cleveland, and Jeremy Pappas, Anti-Defamation League regional director. They’ll discuss racism, anti-Semitism, and discrimination in the African-American and Jewish communities—past and, unfortunately, present—and what all of us can do as individuals and as a community to fight these pervasive problems. 

This Sunday, March 31 program will take place at Cory United Methodist Church, 1117 E. 105th Street, in Cleveland. Doors open at 12:30 p.m., and the program will begin at 1 p.m.

Both programs are free and open to the community. RSVP’s are requested via e-mail (epetler@parksyn.org) or phone (216-371-2244 ext. 122).