Chhange to Launch Journeys Beyond Genocide Exhibit with VIP Opening on November 12

The Center for Holocaust, Human Rights & Genocide Education (Chhange) at Brookdale Community College is proud to unveil its permanent exhibit, Journeys Beyond Genocide: The Human Experience. Chhange will host a VIP opening of the exhibit on Sunday, November 12 for local survivors and their families as well as donors who have contributed to this unique exhibit.

Journeys Beyond Genocide: The Human Experience will present the Armenian Genocide, the Holocaust, and the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi in Rwanda, as well as opportunities to stand up for human rights in today’s world. Visitors will experience the compelling human story beyond the history, using testimony of local genocide and Holocaust survivors and their archival items. The exhibit is a call-to-action to honor victims of genocide and effect positive change in the lives of others.

Chhange has collected powerful survivor testimonies from all three genocides and valuable archival materials – personal keepsakes, mementos, clothing, diaries, and journals – that bring those personal histories to life. According to Dale Daniels, executive director of Chhange, “Journeys Beyond Genocide will be unequaled in the state of New Jersey. The permanent exhibit will connect to visitors locally through survivors who live in our communities and globally because of its universal themes.”

Daniels explains that, while it can be difficult to hear testimonies of genocide, the courage of survivors can compel others to listen.

“We must not allow violence to erase the victims of genocide, their culture, or their communities,” Daniels shares. “At the same time, the resilience of survivors empowers us to face injustice today. If we listen to the voices of survivors and descendants of the Armenian Genocide, the Holocaust, and the Genocide against the Tutsi in Rwanda, we can join together to prevent genocide from occurring again. Journeys Beyond Genocide demonstrates that individuals can make a difference in the face of hate and bias today.”

As part of the exhibit, visitors can use interactive touch-screen technology to delve into the diverse experiences of people who have survived human trafficking. The exhibit challenges people to stand up for human rights and help people in crisis.

To experience Journeys Beyond Genocide, members of the public are encouraged to become members of Chhange, which is an independent non-profit organization that accepts tax-deductible donations. Chhange memberships start at $35 for an individual and $60 for a family. Chhange will be announcing members-only previews of Journeys Beyond Genocide, which opens to the public in the spring.

A key supporter of Journeys Beyond Genocide is the Kolber Family Foundation, which generously provided a $50,000 challenge match grant for the exhibit. The Kolber Family Foundation has matched all donations for the exhibit, dollar for dollar, and agreed to extend the grant up to $75,000. To make a donation, please visit https://www.chhange.org/give-back/matching-grant-initiative-campaign-for-chhange. Investments of $2,500+ will be acknowledged with a donor plaque at Chhange.

Established in 1979, the Center for Holocaust, Human Rights & Genocide Education (Chhange) at Brookdale Community College has carried out its mission “to educate about the Holocaust, human rights, and genocide; promote the elimination of all forms of prejudice; and develop creative programs regarding these crucial human issues.”

Each year, Chhange provides 50-75 programs each year to more than 25,000 students, educators, and community members from varied socio-economic, racial, and ethnic groups within Monmouth County, throughout New Jersey, and beyond. Chhange is committed to educate, inspire, and empower people to address human rights issues and become active, involved citizens.

For additional details about Chhange or to reserve a group visit to Journeys Beyond Genocide, please visit www.chhange.org or call 732-224-1889.

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