COMMUNITY
TABLE OF CONTENTS
Reflect, Learn, and Connect with the Community at CCEJ’s Roots of Justice Breakfast and Convening on March 8, 2024 Jessy Needham | CCEJ
Since the 1990’s, the California Conference for Equality and Justice (CCEJ) has hosted an annual community Breakfast, known throughout the years as the “Interfaith Breakfast” and “Interfaith Intercultural Breakfast.” The Breakfast is well-known for bringing people of different identities together and share in the vision of a truly inclusive community. As the need for bolder conversations about equity and justice has become clearer, CCEJ has expanded the beloved annual event to an all-day convening, with dialogue groups and workshops to spark individual “a-ha” moments of personal transformation. On March 8, 2024, CCEJ will host the Roots of Justice Breakfast and Convening. The day-long event at the Grand in Long Beach will convene community members of diverse racial, ethnic, faith, and professional backgrounds to reflect, gain knowledge and skills, and build solidarity for equity and justice. The event will begin at 8 am and continue until 4 pm. Guests
are welcome to join for all or part of the day for deep learning and connections. The breakfast keynote speaker is Dr. Anthony Ocampo, Ph.D., a Professor of Sociology at California State Polytechnic University, Pomona. Dr. Ocampo is the author of Brown and Gay in LA: The Lives of Immigrant Sons and The Latinos of Asia: How Filipino Americans Break the Rules of Race. The afternoon speaker is Sterling De Sutter Summerville, Founding Director and Lead Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Strategist at De Sutter Summerville Consulting (DSSC), where he assists companies and individuals to formulate and articulate positions on culturally sensitive topics. Prior to establishing DSSC, Sterling dedicated over a decade to the education, technology and nonprofit sectors, aligning his efforts with organizations committed to Human Rights advocacy. This year’s early sponsors include Community Works Consulting, Dr. Alan and Rosecarrie Brooks, California State
The Power of Volunteering
JCC CARES
Anneleise Thompson | Volunteer Director
Jewish Tradition teaches us that humanity must play an active role in the world. Historically, it places a strong emphasis on acts of kindness and charity, known as "tikkun olam," or repairing the world. In the aftermath of a conflict, such as the recent hostilities between Israel and Hamas, we tend to feel a sense of urgency and importance of embodying these values through service to others. The JCC Cares program, in movement with JCC Association, grew in some surprising ways after the war broke out in October. People all around our community were desperate for ways to help, serve and support – as we’ve been taught to respond in times of crisis and need. Here in Long Beach, we are limited in our service to directly support Israel – but we are actively engaging in tikkun olam in local and meaningful ways.
Take a look at our volunteer schedule for a variety of ways to get involved. Whether you choose to serve with JCC Cares or through other outlets in Greater Long Beach, I am grateful for the light and love that we have all shared in the last few months. In a world often marked by division and indifference, the Jewish commitment to service stands as a testament to the enduring power of love and kindness in healing and repairing our shared humanity.
University – Long Beach, Long Beach City College, the Port of Long Beach, Ralphs, Toyota/TABC and F&M Bank. This event will likely sell out, so early registration is advised! Sponsorship packages will be available until January 19 and the individual registration deadline is February 20. Sponsorship packages range from $550 to $10,000; tickets are $150. Register online at: www.cacej.org/ convening. Contact Reena Hajat Carroll, CCEJ Executive Director, for more information at rhcarroll@cacej.org; phone 562.435.8184 ext. 108. The California Conference for Equality and Justice (CCEJ) is dedicated to educating and empowering youth and adults to lead change for equity and justice in our communities.
Upcoming Volunteer Opportunities Days of Service MLK Day Hygiene Drive
January 15
Our Big Kitchen LA
April 17
Senior Outreach Packing & Delivering Goodie Bags Purim
March 19
Passover
April 18
Shabbat
July 12
High Holy Days
September 30, October 1
Chanukah
TBD
American Red Cross Blood Drive January 9, March 28, June 18, September 26
Alex’s Lemonade Stand Benefitting Pediatric Cancer Research June 3 - 7
Visit alpertjcc.org/service for more information 16 | CHRONICLE | JANUARY – FEBRUARY 2024
