| Part of Series | ILLUMINATIONS: Jewish Culture in the Light of the World |
| Length | 59:00 |
| Licensor | Claire Schoen |
| Producer(s) | Claire Schoen and Corey Fischer |
| Formats | Documentary, Limited Series, Special |
| Topics | African American, Historical, Religious |
| Produced | November 15, 2007 |
| Added to PRX | November 12, 2007 |
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"Can Your Hear Me?" is an hour-long audio documentary exploring the history of conflict and coalition between Blacks and Jews in America.
"Can You Hear Me" is a project of A Traveling Jewish Theatre.
Producers: Claire Schoen and Corey Fischer.
Original music by Jim Quinn.
Narrated by Corey Fischer.
Mixed by John Rieger.
The play, "Crossing the Broken Bridge" was created by John O'Neal, Naomi Newman and Stephen Kent.
The excerpts in this program were performed by Naomi Newman and John O'Neal.
February: Black History Month and MLK Day
Engaging, Sound Rich, Thoughtful
English
Over the decades, the relationship between African Americans and Jewish Americans has been a push and pull of common interests and mutual recriminations. During the Civil Rights Movement of the 1960's the Jewish concept of "Tikkun Olam" or Repairing the World was a driving force for young Jewish activists who went to the South to register Black voters and link arms with Black protesters. African Americans embraced these Jews as brothers and sisters from another oppressed group. However, with the rise of Black nationalism at home and increased turmoil in Israel, this hopeful period was followed by an angry break between the two groups, resulting in racism and anti-Semitism. "Can Your Hear Me" follows this saga and then looks at how these two cultures have worked towards reconciliation through a rediscovery of their common humanity.
(Each of the 3 shows in this series can be broadcast as stand-alone programs.)
