Athletes Against Antisemitism with Zach Banner, Josh Bell and Alysha Clark

Join The Holocaust Center of Pittsburgh for a special virtual event! A two-part conversation on combating antisemitism, racial justice and moving forward in unity with NFL offensive lineman Zach Banner, MLB first baseman Josh Bell and WNBA champion Alysha Clark.

In the summer of 2020, Zach Banner, offensive tackle for the Pittsburgh Steelers, made headlines with a viral Twitter video, where he called for a stop to the antisemitic rhetoric and unity between minority groups - namely the Black and Jewish communities. Since then, Zach has formed numerous relationships within the Pittsburgh nonprofit community, building bridges to strengthen understanding and partnership as he found himself in a newfound role as activist.

The history of athlete activism is rich with leaders championing human rights, equality, racial justice and more while competing at the highest possible level in their respective sports. Athletes across sport have courageously fought against the status quo, often risking their careers, endorsements and more to fight for what is right.

In recent years athletes have spoken out most notably against police brutality, pay inequality, racism, and antisemitism; and championed voting rights, LGBTQA+ rights, and criminal justice among other important causes. This event seeks to highlight the important work of these activists and those working within local communities to champion change.

The 90-minute program will be structured into two parts. The first will center on the Pittsburgh community, with guests Rabbi Hazzan Jeffrey Myers of the Tree of Life synagogue, and Jasiri X, hip hop artist and co-founder of activist group 1Hood. The conversation will focus on the current national and local crisis of antisemitism and white supremacy, ongoing unified efforts in Pittsburgh to combat hate and important tools, resources and next steps to engage more citizens in this movement.

The second half of the event will feature Zach alongside special guests, Washington Nationals first baseman Josh Bell and Washington Mystics forward Alysha Clark. Together, they will discuss the power of athlete activism, their role and responsibility in engaging in these movements and their priorities in this work as team leaders, national figures and community members.

The program will be moderated by Dr. Lauren Apter Bairnsfather, Director of the Holocaust Center of Pittsburgh.

Learn more and register here.