Importance of Sharing Stories, Finding Translations
Presented by the Paul & Beverly Radow Lecture Series on Jewish Life— Kennesaw State University staff and students gathered to hear esteemed culinary historian & award winning author, Michael W. Twitty, Thursday Jan. 26 in the Wilson Building on the Kennesaw Campus.
Gradually, the seats inside the Stillwell Theater filled up, and the lights were dimmed to create a calm and intimate environment. Norman Radow, KSU’s benefactor, shed light on the power of the humanities and explained how this lecture series honours his parents as well as teaches Judaism in a positive way.
Michael W. Twitty Poster
Seneca Vaught, professor of History and Interdisciplinary Studies, introduced Twitty and provided some background on the guest speaker. Twitty then was welcomed with a roaring round of applause from the audience as he took the stage.
Identity, Racism, Family, Injustice and Erasure of Stories—Michael W. Twitty described himself as a border-crossing individual. The essence of who he is reflects his dedication to living life as a queer, African American Jew, but foremost an educator, scholar and thinker. On the topic of identity, he mentioned that our distinct race, gender and lineage is something that should not be met with aversion and hate. “Faith and love make the world an honest, welcoming dinner table,” Twitty said. These differences do not make us broken, we do not need to be repaired, for we are not stumbling blocks, we are just what we are.
“Faith and love make the world an honest, welcoming dinner table.”
He then addressed the audience by mentioning that each and every person is a blend of those who came before them along with their unique experiences; ergo, no single person can escape intersectionality. Understanding ways people are similar, but also being explicit when it comes to who you are is what Twitty refers to as, “A well seasoned response to racism.”
When people gather, stories are passed from person to person, one stranger to the next, however, Twitty warns against the testament of time and the potential stories have to be forgotten, lost, or distorted. Twitty pushes people towards finding translations, hearing other perspectives because as the jewish saying goes– it is never on one foot, Twitty said. Seek answers, but also write down your own story, even if you think its niche, so that those who come after you don’t spend their time looking for it.
From one writer to the next, Michael W. Twitty encouraged me to curate my own existence and that the words I put down on paper are purposeful. They bring the stories of my ancestors to the surface, as well as educate those around me about my identity and experience from my seat at the all-encompassing dinner table. Twitty ended his conversation with us by stating that we should never stop looking for family, those who provide the love and faith needed to continue our soul-searching journey towards loving ourselves and those around us. For all his wisdom and beautifully honest reminders I say, Shabbat Shalom.
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