“It’s hard to imagine an upstander story that is more foundational to our work at the center than what Werner (Coppel) did courageously and heroicly and the fact that he chose how he wanted to respond to this (Holocaust denial).”
-Jackie Congedo
“We need more folks like Debra and others to sort of step up and use their platforms and their voices. But, boy, we’ve got to get to a place where it doesn’t take, you know, just unconscionable or outrageous events that to spark us into that type of activism.”
-Kevin Aldridge
Welcome to our latest episode of the Upstander Ripple Effect, where we’re diving into “Turning Points: Moments of Upstanding.” From commemorating Juneteenth to addressing the aftermath of an antisemitism controversy at Pride this year, local upstanders are making a pivotal difference.
Join hosts Jackie Congedo and Kevin Aldridge as they take you into the archives at the Holocaust & Humanity Center, unveiling artifacts from a notable upstander in Cincinnati’s Holocaust survivor community whose moment of upstanding started a movement. We’re also thrilled to have Debra Messing as our special guest, who shared her powerful insights on combating antisemitism during her recent visit to Cincinnati to celebrate this year’s Upstander Award winners.
In this episode, we’ll spotlight remarkable individuals like a local advocate who has long championed afterschool activities for kids, recognized as an Upstander Award winner for his proactive efforts. And you’ll meet two Kentucky women who, despite political differences, were honored as Upstander Award winners for bridging divides. We’ll tell you about the letter from a World War II liberator they shared on their most recent episode that will leave you reflecting on the ripple effect of education.
Are you ready to explore these transformative “Turning Points” of upstanding? Download the latest episode now and join us in igniting positive change.
SPOTIFY https://open.spotify.com/episode/33Jx4ZkdVa29X9j66y1f4r?si=yt2Qyht5QXiD3EKEFSsu9g
YOUTUBE https://youtu.be/0jhdv2klW4Q
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Episode Resources
Learn more about The Nancy & David Wolf Holocaust & Humanity Center https://www.holocaustandhumanity.org/
This episode made possible with generous support from the Cynthia & Harold Guttman Family. Learn more about the Guttman Family Center for Storytelling here https://youtu.be/oP6VUOjuK5A?si=WvC_B0tZnK8Yq8_d
Visit our YouTube channel to catch all our stories, including
Debra Messing https://youtu.be/GJnNuDf0XaE?si=L7eZXon41BCXNkWW
Werner Coppel https://youtu.be/bUKLrd3XsXs?si=sX-ThNO6fBIFSWii
Take the character strengths survey for free Assess Your Character Strengths | Personality Assessment (holocaustandhumanity.org)
HHC statement on Israel and antisemitism https://www.holocaustandhumanity.org/never-again-is-now/
Book a speaker for your school or group through the Coppel Speaker’s Bureau https://www.holocaustandhumanity.org/programs-and-events/book-a-speaker-coppel-speakers-bureau/
Read Co-host Kevin Aldridge’s most recent columns https://www.cincinnati.com/staff/2647297001/kevin-s-aldridge/
Find out more about all the winners of this year’s upstander awards https://www.holocaustandhumanity.org/press-releases/meet-the-2024-upstander-awards-winners/
including Beth Silvers and Sarah Stewart Holland of Pantsuit Politics https://www.pantsuitpoliticsshow.com/
and Lamont Ragan https://www.weeroyals.org/
Read more about Debra Messing https://www.holocaustandhumanity.org/4-things-to-know-about-cincinnati-upstander-awards-headliner-debra-messing/
Find out about the organization Debra co-founded https://iamavoter.com/
Read more about some of Debra’s advocacy work https://www.psi.org/ambassadors/debra-messing/
News stories mentioned
Pride Board resignations https://cdn.fedweb.org/fed-31/2/JFC%2520and%2520JCRC%2520Statement%2520on%2520Cincinnati%2520Socialists%2520and%2520DivestCinciPride.pdf
Madisonville shooting https://www.cincinnati.com/story/news/crime/2024/06/17/police-madisonville-day-organizers-speak-out-on-park-shooting/74121373007/
