From Our CEO: Celebrating Our Diversity

February marks many celebrations, including Black History Month, Lunar New Year, Purim, and Jewish Disability Awareness, Acceptance & Inclusion Month. Though the JCC’s history is rooted in Judaism, we serve and employ a diverse group of people, and we are committed to providing an inclusive and welcoming environment for all. We see our diversity as a strength that enhances our programs and community.

Several of our departments have been hosting activities and events to recognize Black History Month. We have a curriculum in our Early Childhood Education, Learning Bridges, and Cornerstone programs devoted to highlighting Black History Month, which includes an exploration of Black history, literature, art, music, and culture. For adults, our Beacon program at I.S. 49 will be hosting a virtual speed networking event later in the month for Black-owned businesses. For more information on this programming, click here

Our Cultural Arts Department has joined with the Tucson JCC to present Ritual Intersections in the Music Studio, which is a celebration of what unites the Jewish, Black, and Jewish-Black communities through music. Learn more here.

​This month, we are also celebrating Jewish Disability Awareness, Acceptance & Inclusion Month. The month is dedicated to highlighting and celebrating the work the Jewish community has done to help individuals with disabilities as well as broadening our collective commitment to making our world more accessible to all. In everything we do at our JCC, we aim to create an inclusive environment for people of all abilities. Throughout the pandemic, we’ve increased virtual offerings for people with disabilities, including music and cooking classes. We still offer in-person services to children and young adults with disabilities as well and hope to expand them as things begin to return to normal. 
​Most of all, we look forward to running Marvin’s Camp and our inclusion program again this summer!

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One of our favorite annual events is “Love Around the World,” where our Early Childhood Education students celebrate diverse cultures from across the globe. This year, they celebrated different cultures by reading books, eating food, and making crafts, like these lanterns for Lunar New Year!

​It has been amazing to see, even during these difficult times, our staff putting together these creative, fun, and educational activities. I welcome all of you to join us as we celebrate what makes our community a rich melting pot.

-Orit Lender