Jewish Federation of NENY Community Engagement Partnership presents an educational opportunity on What You Never Learned about Racism: A look at History, the Capital Region, and What We Can Do Today.
All sessions are on Tuesdays at 7:00 PM and are free to our partner agencies and congregations.
NOTE: Registration links are specific to each session. Please sign up for each session individually.
The Roots of Racism
with Barbara Smith
Tuesday, July 28
Dvar Torah by Rabbi Dan Ornstein
Register for this session:
https://us02web.zoom.us/meeting/register/tZYlcu2qqz4sG9JuYjQq9Zsbofp1E5tnZCsK
An Overview of the Mind Science of Bias
with Gregory Owens
Tuesday, August 4
Dvar Torah by Rabbi Roy Feldman
Register for this session:
https://us02web.zoom.us/meeting/register/tZAsfu-gpjMsHd1eZJs4I8pd17Jj5hswn5Rd
Engaging in Courageous Conversation with an Equity Lens
with Kathleen McLean
Tuesday, August 11
Dvar Torah by Rabbi Linda Motzkin
Register for this session:
https://us02web.zoom.us/meeting/register/tZMucOmopz0vEtc4JO77XYSswLv7n40-7uTP
Where Do We Go From Here?
with Corey Ellis*
Tuesday, August 18
Dvar Torah by Rabbi Deborah Gordon
Register for this session:
https://us02web.zoom.us/meeting/register/tZwrdO2sqj8sH9E-i5jcdF-b46M-viblrLNm
All sessions are moderated by Harris Oberlander, LCSW-R
Cosponsored by Trinity Alliance INC
*A son of Albany Corey Ellis’ life has been a testament to hard work, community, and getting results.
Corey grew up in Albany’s South End and Arbor Hill neighborhoods. With the help of dedicated teachers, ministers and librarians, Corey achieved in the classroom and in sports, Corey graduated from Bishop Maginn High School and earning his Bachelor of Arts degree in Political Science from Fordham University. Corey returned to his home town of Albany as a union and community organizer, campaigning to improve the lives of hospital employees. In 2004, Corey entered local politics, working as Political Director for David Soares, helping Soares overcome the odds and win the race for Albany County District Attorney.
The next year, Corey ran a grassroots campaign for the Albany Common Council and was able to defeat a 12-year incumbent after losing the primary but defeating the incumbent on the Working Families Party Line. Corey was the first Albany Common Council member to win on the WFP line. On the Council, Corey was a consistent voice for reform, speaking out for investing in our neighborhoods, fighting crime and blight, and creating a more responsive, transparent city government. Corey has always believed real change starts in the community. He served on the Community Accountability Board of the District Attorney’s office, helped organize the “Bring it to the Courts” youth basketball program in partnership with the DA’s office, and worked as a volunteer coach in the program. He also sits on the Board of Directors of Albany Community Action Partnership (ACAP) and has participated in Catholic Charities’ mentoring program for young people and is serves on the board of directors for Albany County Land Bank. As part of Corey continuing to give back to the community that helped him become who he is today. Corey became Trinity’s first Director of the Family and Neighborhood Resource Center now named (Trinity Alliance), a center Corey was a part of when he was child.
Corey was one of the first elected officials in the city of Albany to endorse Senator Barack Obama for President. Corey established a grass roots effort and started a local organization Albany for Obama and was the Chairman for the organization. Corey eventually became the campaign Coordinator for the Capital District for the Obama campaign, he pounded the pavement here in Albany, as well as in Pennsylvania and Ohio, and was elected as an Obama Delegate to the National Convention. In January, he celebrated Obama’s historic victory at the Inauguration in Washington DC.
Corey currently serves as President of the Capital District Chamber of Commerce which he Co-founded to address the socio-economic void that exist for Black business owners. He served on the inaugural board of Directors for Albany County’s Land Bank. The land bank was created to deal with the blight and abandoned buildings throughout Albany County. Corey is also a State Democratic Committee member for the 108th Assembly District in Albany, becoming the first African American to serve as State Democratic Committee member in the 108th assembly district.
Corey serves as the Albany Common Council President winning his election in 2017, becoming the first African American male to win a city wide election. Corey also has not forgotten his fight for working men and women, and now serves as Upstate Political Director for the New York State Nurses Association. Corey was also a key figure in NYSNA, organizing the nurses at Albany Medical Center, the first private unionized hospital in Albany.
The community has recognized Corey’s contributions with numerous awards, including Metroland Local Hero (2006), Hudson Valley Community College Humanitarian Service Award (2007), Metroland’s Best Public Servant (2008), NAACP Public Service Award (2008) and the Founders Day Award from the Albany City Council PTA (2008). Bishop Maginn High School Hall of Fame (2012). New York State Comptroller Labor recognition award (2019).