“To Life” L’Chaim 2024: The Power of Conversation

Samford University's Wright Center 800 Lakeshore Drive, Birmingham

On September 10th, people from communities across Alabama will gather for an exhilarating evening of art, music, and celebration at the annual “To Life” L’Chaim benefit celebrating the work of the Alabama Holocaust Education Center. L’Chaim means “To Life”, but not just any life – a good life. As we know from the history of the Holocaust, there is evil in the world. Our mission compels us to determine what to do about it. If you are Daryl Davis, you use the power of conversation and you fix it. Through his experiences engaging with hate group members, Davis demonstrates the power of empathy, dialogue and bridge-building in overcoming divisions and fostering understanding. His powerful story teaches us how individuals can challenge prejudice, break down barriers, and build meaningful connections across seemingly impossible divides. Don’t miss this powerful event designed to immerse you in the Power of Conversation. The Central Alabama Theater’s Executive Producer Carl Peoples and Director of Education Carolyn Violi will be producing the event. The 2024 benefit will entertain with Grammy Nominees, Dove Award winners, world renowned artists, and award-winning TV, film and stage actors. We will also welcome and hear from local celebrities and distinguished elected officials. […]

Teacher Workshop: Myths & Misconceptions About the Holocaust

Alabama Holocaust Education Center 2100 Highland Avenue South, Birmingham, United States

Join the Alabama Holocaust Education Center and the UAB Department of History for this free teacher workshop open to all Alabama teachers! At this workshop, you will get the chance to hear from world-renowned Holocaust scholar Dr. Peter Hayes as he identifies eight myths and misconceptions about the Holocaust. Additionally, you will hear from UAB Professor of History Dr. Jonathan Wiesen as he discusses everyday life under the Nazi regime, as well as AHEC applied researcher Ann Mollengarden. She will discuss popular myths regarding Kristallnacht, the Night of Broken Glass. Through this workshop, we will give you the tools you need in order to deepen your students’ understanding of Holocaust history and its lessons. Teachers will receive a Certificate of Completion at the end of the workshop, and 4 hours of PD credit will also be available to you on PowerSchool. Substitute reimbursement of up to $100 is offered to teachers, should you need it. Attendance is required for reimbursement, and attendees will fill out a form at the workshop to be reimbursed. Lunch will also be provided to you by the AHEC. Parking is available in the Temple Emanu-El parking deck, which is located directly behind our building on […]

2024 Kristallnacht Commemorative Lecture: Profits and Persecution with Dr. Peter Hayes

Join celebrated Holocaust scholar Peter Hayes for the AHEC’s annual Kristallnacht Commemorative Lecture. Hosted in partnership with the UAB Department of History, this lecture will provide an exclusive preview of Hayes’ upcoming book, Profits and Persecution: German Big Business in the Nazi Economy and the Holocaust. Were German businesses Nazi collaborators, or were they just doing business with the Nazis? Hayes will explore how German businesses during the Nazi regime became involved with and vital to the Nazi persecution, exploitation, and murder of the Jewish people. He will reveal how the Nazi regime used a corrupting combination of intimidation and temptation to win the support of the German corporate world and earn their participation in what he terms “the normalization of barbarism.” Shockingly, few of these businessmen were ever brought to justice for their actions, and Hayes will unravel the mystery of why and how these individuals escaped prosecution. The event will be held at UAB’s Hulsey Auditorium on November 7th with a reception at 5:30pm. The lecture will then promptly begin at 6:00pm. Join us to learn more about how ordinary German businesses became Nazi collaborators and enjoy a sneak peek of Hayes’ new book!