The Black Judaic Heritage Center’s (BJHC) annual exhibition, “Through the Spectacles of Ethiopia: Garveyism, Black Judaism, and the Virginia Commonwealth,” will be held at the Virginia Museum of History & Culture on June 25 and 26. Delving into the intersection of race and religion in early 20th-century America, this exhibition explores the influence of Garveyism on Black Jewish and Judaic movements in the Commonwealth through unique perspectives on spirituality and identity.
The exhibition uses video and photographs to share a comprehensive understanding of the historical development of Black Judaic organizations in Virginia, while preserving and interpreting the Commonwealth’s history within a broader historical community. Visitors can also participate in learning circles led by scholars and practitioners.
The project and BJHC are led by Dr. Ma’asehyahu Isra-Ul, a historian and professional educator. Dr. Isra-Ul will be joined by special guests including rabbis from the Afro Sephardic and Black Judaic communities (i.e. Rabbi Catriel Zer-Garland, Rabbi Binyamin Ben Binyamin) with a special virtual guest lecture from Dr. Michael T. Miller (England) of the Global Institute for Research and Scholarship.
