"The way to right wrongs is to turn the light of truth upon them." - Ida B. Wells, anti-lynching advocate.

A Vital Gathering for Our Time

In a moment when history itself is under threat, we invite you to an extraordinary evening that brings together remarkable leaders who understand that remembering our past creates pathways to healing and justice. On April 9 at 5:30 pm, Not In Our Town, Congregation Beth El, and the Jewish Community Relations Council present a transformative event that could not be more timely or necessary.

The culture of remembrance harnesses the power of collective truth-telling—remembering traumatic historical events not only to honor those who suffered but to ensure we learn from the past and forge a more just future. By shining this light together, we prevent history’s darkest chapters from repeating, promote healing, and inspire people from all backgrounds to unite against discrimination and hate.

Today, when elected officials across the U.S. are trying to erase history, ban books, and roll back hard-won progress toward equity and justice, this work is more urgent than ever. We will hear from two extraordinary leaders who embody the power of remembrance:

• Joel Obermayer leads Widen the Circle [1], an initiative that grew from the Obermayer Awards [2] —established by his father 25 years ago to honor Germans who have worked tirelessly to preserve and teach Jewish history. Widen the Circle expands this mission, connecting activists in Germany and the U.S. to expose and confront the legacies of persecution, racism, and anti-Semitism. By bringing communities together, learn from each other and advance healing and reconciliation.
• Kristi Williams (Orisabiyi), whose great aunt Janie Edwards, barely survived the 1921 Tulsa Race Massacre, in which over 300 Black residents were murdered has dedicated her life to seeking justice and truth. Kristi, a descendant of Creek Freedmen, traces her lineage to 1874 Supreme Court Justice Jesse Franklin of the Muscogee Creek Nation. She has fought tirelessly for reparations for the massacre’s victims and recently celebrated a victory: Tulsa mayor backs reparations plan for ‘Black Wall Street’ massacre victims [3].Kristi also founded Black History Saturdays, a school dedicated to teaching Black history—directly countering Oklahoma’s efforts to ban books and suppress history.

Be Part of This Transformative Evening

At this critical juncture in American life—with 18 states banning books, restricting the teaching of historical traumas, and witnessing rising hatred toward marginalized communities—we cannot remain silent. We are witnessing a dangerous movement to erase history and silence marginalized voices. At a time when racism, homophobia, and attacks on immigrants are on the rise—and when equity and inclusion are under siege—we must take a stand.

We cannot remain silent. We will not be divided. We will not allow history to be erased or hate to take hold.

Join us for an inspiring evening that proves truth-telling cannot be suppressed. When we come together, bridge our differences, and shine a light on history, we not only honor the past—we shape a future grounded in justice, healing, and unity.