Racial Justice Task Force

Congregation M’kor Hayim’s Racial Justice Task Force was created in June 2020 following the murder of George Floyd. The goals of the Task Force are rooted in the Jewish values of Tikkun Olam (Repairing the World), Pikuach Nefesh (Saving a Life) and B’tzelem Elohim (In God’s Image).  We aim to fulfill these goals through education, advocacy and participation in activities for Racial Equity, Inclusivity and Justice.

We hold virtual monthly meetings to educate ourselves about the Black experience. In the past year topics have included: anti-racism training, voter suppression, reparations, a virtual Civil Rights tour, the Harlem Renaissance, the history of Black Tucson and the legacy of the Confederacy.

Our advocacy work has included:

  • Partnering with the Maricopa County Branch of the NAACP to make get-out-the-vote phone calls (for which we received their 2021 Community Engagement Award)
  • Joining the Tucson Branch of the NAACP
  • Participating in the Union for Reform Judaism’s Racial Justice Campaign
  • In the summer of 2021 we attended virtual lobby meetings with both Senator Sinema’s and Senator Kelly’s staff to advocate for the John Lewis Voting Rights Advancement Act
  • In August,2021, we joined cities across the United States to urge for the passage of voting rights acts by initiating and co-sponsoring the Tucson Car Caravan for Voting Rights

Participation in the work of the Task Force is not limited to M’kor Hayim members.  For more information email CongregationMkorHayim@gmail.com.

Marcia Z accepts the NAACP award on behalf of M'kor Hayim's Racial Justice Task Force
Marcia Z accepts the NAACP award on behalf of M’kor Hayim’s Racial Justice Task Force
MH members at the the Tucson Car Caravan for Voting Rights
MH members at the the Tucson Car Caravan for Voting Rights

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