The contents of Emil Hess’s suitcase told his life story, including his education at the University of Pennsylvania, his service in World War II, and his ownership of the Parisian department store in Birmingham, Alabama. The suitcase, now part of a civil rights exhibit at Temple Beth El, challenges visitors to understand why he chose to integrate the store amid protests for racial equality. Hess’s decision to align with civil rights activists and hire Black salesmen was a significant step towards progress in his community, earning him recognition in the fight for equality.
Melvin Herring, a visitor to the exhibit from the Black-Jewish Alliance of Charlotte, emphasized the importance of understanding Hess’s motivations for joining the civil rights movement. The exhibit at Temple Beth El focuses on the complexities of history, highlighting the nuanced decisions of individuals like Hess that contributed to societal change. By examining the thoughts and actions of those on the periphery of the fight for civil rights, participants are forced to confront their own biases and reflect on their responses to injustices happening today.
The Beth El Civil Rights Experience, which offers tours to students and groups from diverse backgrounds, seeks to explore the role of Jews in Birmingham’s history of racism and activism. The exhibit was conceived in response to the racial reckoning that followed the murder of George Floyd in 2020 and aims to engage visitors in discussions about systemic racism and inequality. Against a backdrop of rising antisemitism and political divisions, the exhibit serves as a platform for dialogue and reflection on past and present social issues.
Organized by filmmaker Tyler Jones and others from the congregation, the exhibit provides visitors with a unique perspective on Birmingham’s civil rights history. By sharing personal stories and artifacts, including Hess’s suitcase, Temple Beth El offers a fresh lens through which to view the city’s complex past. The collaboration between Jews and other communities to address racial injustice underscores the ongoing relevance of civil rights struggles today.
The program at Temple Beth El delves into the shared history of Jews and Black civil rights activists, highlighting the alliance between the two groups in the fight against discrimination. The exhibit challenges visitors to consider the limitations of good intentions and the necessity of taking concrete actions to effect change. By exploring the themes of discrimination, suffering, and perseverance, the exhibit prompts individuals to reflect on their own roles in advocating for social justice.
As visitors engage with the exhibit and reflect on Emil Hess’s decision to integrate his department store, they are encouraged to consider how they can support marginalized communities facing oppression today. The lessons from Birmingham’s civil rights history are still relevant, as discrimination and bigotry persist in society. By asking, “How am I the Emil Hess to someone else’s oppression?” the exhibit prompts participants to take action and stand in solidarity with those facing injustice.
