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March 26, 2024, Inclusive Communities presents the second annual Jane H. & Rabbi Sidney H. Brooks Conversations for Change series, featuring the non-binary comic and actor, Bob the Drag Queen.

Dedicated to advancing the Brooks' legacy fostering learning through dialogue, the series aims to build connections across diverse cultures and identities. Cammy Watkins, Inclusive Communities’ Executive Director, expressed:

“We are honored to serve as the facilitators of these vital discussions in Omaha. As we continue to welcome innovators from around the world, we aim to shed light on the arts and humanities’ perspective in addressing prejudice, bigotry, and discrimination.”

Renowned for winning the title of America's Next Drag Superstar on Season 8 of RuPaul's Drag Race, Bob brings unapologetic confidence and charisma to the stage. Bob is also a co-host of the Peabody Award-winning reality series We're Here, where small-town residents are introduced to the transformative world of drag performance for one unforgettable night.

Our 2023 conversation featured actor, writer, producer, and former Associate Director of the White House Office of Public Engagement, Kal Penn. Over 1,100 attended, including students of all ages from across the state.

Many of you personally knew Sidney and Jane Brooks. Sidney became Rabbi at Temple Israel in 1952, and they had two children, Miriam (Mibsy) and Joel. Rabbi Brooks was always teaching with passion and dedication to the truth as he found it in Torah, yet not without a sense of humor. Congregants spoke of him as a teacher; counsel; a "pastor's pastor;" a trailblazer in civil rights, interfaith relations, and community youth work; a giant, powerful, gregarious; and a mover and shaper.

"The Conversations for Change Series is a wonderful way to honor my parents' legacy in Omaha," Miriam Brooks said. "They were dedicated to bringing people together to learn from each other. This year's event will be a great way for all us to do just that."  

We thank Miriam Brooks for supporting Conversations for Change. The world looks very different than it did when Jane and Rabbi Brooks were leaders in our community. This program allows each of us to open our minds and hearts, to continue to learn, and to find meaning in our lives.

Conversations for Change will take place on Tuesday, March 26, 2023, from 12:30 p.m.–1:30 p.m. at the Holland Performing Arts Center in downtown Omaha. Tickets are open to the public. For questions, please contact Lachelle Rankins, Director of Strategic Partnerships, at lachelle@inclusivecommunities.org.