Stories @ CSI

Nina Rubin

On Sunday, September 18, 2022, CSI was one of 500 venues across Atlanta hosting Equitable Dinners — an Atlanta-based project that seeks to inspire anti-racism action and meaningful connections through art and courageous conversation. The event began as we all watched a short one-woman play rich with themes of racial bigotry, hardship, and personal struggle. We then shared a meal together and launched into intimate, shared discussions about race. At each table, Black, white, Jewish, and participants of other faiths shared personal experiences and perceptions about racism.

The session also included a re-examination of the 1906 Atlanta Race Massacre, a historical event incited by a white mob targeting African-American owned businesses. Few of us had ever heard of it. We learned that 10,000 white men and boys terrorized Atlanta's African- American community, with 25 Black people confirmed killed during the violence. Using the powerful techniques of presence, kindness, inclusivity, and courage, we wrestled with this historical truth and came away feeling closer and more committed than ever to engaging in honest racial reckoning. We intend to continue this work together through Shearith Israel for Good and Equity@CSI.

The city-wide event was produced through a collaboration between Out of Hand Theater, the National Center for Civil and Human Rights, Fulton County Remembrance Coalition, The King Center, Partnership for Southern Equity and others.