We CAN Stop Hate. TOGETHER!

NIOT Virtual Conversation Series Continues Standing up to Racism & Bias in our Schools and Communities: Countering the Backlash Feb. 10 at 4pm PT / 5pm MT / 6pm CT / 7pm ET Register Since January 2021, 35 U.S. states "have introduced bills or taken other steps that would restrict teaching critical race theory or limit how teachers can discuss racism and sexism in the classroom," according to an Education Week analysis. "Fourteen states have imposed these bans and restrictions either through legislation or other avenues." Teachers and students need the basic freedom to discuss the history and present day manifestations of racism in our country, our world and communities. Age appropriate learning about U.S. history and the legacy racism is fundamental. So how do we pivot the conversation from an argument about CRT to a substantive discussion about what we want to teach our children? How do we define good and age-appropriate anti-racist education? How do we continue to discuss and address issues of racism in an era of pushback?

Join us for our next NIOT virtual conversation and you'll learn about: How teachers, school boards, school leaders and parents are responding to concerns How these laws have evolved over time  How to talk about systemic racism and anti-racist education in a way that doesn't exclude anyone How to pivot the conversation to a productive one that honors shared values, creates shared goals and positive outcomes The conflict over teaching about racism in schools is fueled by misinformation and misunderstanding. But the debate also offers an opportunity for parents, students, educators and other members of communities to have real, productive conversations about how we want to teach the next generation about the history of racism in America, the legacy of those truths and the state of racism today. NIOT's Patrice O'Neill and Pardeep Kaleka of the Interfaith Conference of Greater Milwaukee will moderate the event. Panelists will include Jennifer Warner (Learn From History) and members of the NIOT community. Register Here

February Is Black History Month Black History Month is an annual celebration of achievements by African Americans and a time for recognizing their central role in U.S. history. Also known as African American History Month, the event grew out of “Negro History Week,” the brainchild of noted historian Carter G. Woodson and other prominent African Americans. Since 1976, every U.S. president has officially designated the month of February as Black History Month. Other countries around the world, including Canada and the United Kingdom, also devote a month to celebrating Black history. (via Not In Our Town BG) How are you planning to celebrate Black History Month in your community? Tell us by responding to this email. We'd love to promote your local events!

Jewish and Other Religious Leaders Respond to the Antisemitic Attack in Texas

When news broke on January 16 that the rabbi and three congregants at Beth Israel Synagogue in Colleyville, Texas were taken hostage, Jewish communities across the country, already anguished from deadly antisemitic attacks in Pittsburgh, Poway, Monsey, and Jersey City, were re-traumatized by another gunman in a house of worship. In the days following the incident, interfaith leaders from across the country promoted peace and unity in response. “The demonstration of unity is important. Working together, we know, helps everybody,” said Joel Schwitzer, regional director for the American Jewish Committee. Describing the reverberations of attacks on Jewish communities, Scott Hausman-Weiss, the founding rabbi of the Congregation Shma Koleinu told the Texas Tribune, “They are us. There’s no distinction. Anywhere they are in danger, we are. ...But we will not allow this to break us. We will not allow our resolve that strives to lift all human spirits to be deterred." What will you do to stand with your Jewish neighbors and make everyone feel safe to walk into a house of worship?  The core message of Not In Our Town is that each of us has a role to play in stopping hate and creating safe, inclusive communities and schools for everyone. Keep reading this post at the NIOT blog to find out what you can do to offer support and love in your town.

He Survived the Holocaust Because of a Stranger’s Kindness A beautiful story from Storycorps of how an act of kindness led to a lifetime of love. In 1941, Rabbi Philip Lazowski and his family were among the Jews banished from their village in Poland by the Nazis and forced to live in a ghetto. He remembers the woman who saved his life. Listen

We love to share stories and profiles from around the country, let us know about all your great work so we can highlight it! Please stay in touch via info@niot.org or facebook.com/notinourtown and let us know your news and the actions that are keeping you connected and strong. Questions, concerns, or ideas? We'd love to hear from you!  

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