b'Building BridgesB arbara Scott, a former federal employeequickly alerted members that discussions would and business owner, has lived ininitially be held via email, eventually moving Baltimore most of her life. As pastto Zoom. Online topics included inspirational president of her neighborhood associationwomen, the 2020 Presidential election, the and board member for several other localBlack Lives Matter movement, antisemitism and organizations, Scott, 82, has always had an interesthousing segregation. in knowing everyone and embracing differences. During some of our in-person sessions, we So, when she was approached eight years agohave exchanged the injustices and hate acts to participate in Diversity Dialogue, a program oftoward African American and Jewish people, CHAIs Northwest Neighbors Connecting village,says Scott. We have learned that we are not very she was eager to be a part of this diverse group.different after all. We have shared interests, values CHAI, part of The Associated: Jewish Federation ofand perspectives. Baltimore system, works to strengthen northwestScott says that talking and learning from one Baltimore neighborhoods. another is necessary in order to break downPrior to becoming a member of the Diversitycultural barriers and misconceptions. Dialogue group, I was a co-worker and friend ofShoshana Harris couldnt agree more. At age many Jewish people. But its been through my77, Harris has lived a full life heavily immersed in participation in this program over the years that Ithe Baltimore Jewish community. She regularly have learned more about the Jewish faith, Jewishattends services at her synagogue, sings in the holidays and overall achievements by Jewishsynagogue choir and participates in exercise people, Scott says.classes and other programs at the Edward A. Each month, the group of largely Jewish andMyerberg Center.Black women meets to discuss a wide rangeHarris readily admits that she has lived a of topics that allow people to engage in opensheltered life within her own Jewish community, and honest conversation. The outbreak of theso when the opportunity presented itself more COVID-19 pandemic this past spring did notthan six years ago to participate in the Diversity deter this group from getting together.Dialogue program, she jumped at the chance to When the CHAI building closed, the groupexpand her horizons. Barbara Scott leaders, Rev. Arnold Howard and Susan Russell,I thought it would be a great opportunity 32 associated.org|CENTENNIALCENTENNIAL|associated.org 33'