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Comic Books and the Holocaust: Teacher Professional Development

Many of our most famous early comic books were written by Jewish authors, who used their experiences of the Holocaust to create Superman, Captain America, X-Men, and many more of the most well-known comic book heroes in popular culture today. In this online Teacher Professional Development session, we explore the connection between Holocaust history and superheroes. Learn how we can use comic book origin stories to teach students about the Holocaust, and how the stories of real-life Holocaust survivors are told through graphic art. This session features a presentation by Marcel Lamont Walker of the Holocaust Center of Pittsburgh. 

This workshop was originally presented via Zoom on February 9 by The CJM, in partnership with the Jewish Family and Children's Services (JFCS) Holocaust Center of Northern California.

About the Speaker
Headshot of Marcel Walker
Marcel Lamont Walker

Marcel Lamont (M.L.) Walker is an award-winning graphic-prose creator and expert in social applications for comic-book art. A Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania native, Walker graduated from the Art Institute of Pittsburgh and has taught classes and workshops in comic book creation for over twenty-five years. He is the lead artist, book designer, and project coordinator for the acclaimed comic-book series CHUTZ-POW! SUPERHEROES OF THE HOLOCAUST, published by The Holocaust Center of Pittsburgh. He is also the president of the board of directors for the ToonSeum, a Pittsburgh–based nonprofit that champions comic books as a force for social good. Awards Walker has won include the BMe Community Genius Fellowship and 2017 Best Local Cartoonist as voted by readers of the Pittsburgh City Paper.

Virtual School Tour: Holocaust and Resistance

The CJM and the Jewish Family and Children's Services (JFCS) Holocaust Center are working in partnership to offer a virtual version of our Holocaust and Resistance program for remote school groups. The program is designed for students in grades 7–12 who have some previous learning about the Holocaust, and integrates survivor testimony, history, art, and contemporary connections. The experience has been divided into a two-part program, with an optional third session for reflection that educators may choose to add.

More Resources For Teachers

The CJM offers a number of programs and educational resources available for teachers, caregivers, and students to access from home or in the classroom. To see more related videos and resources, visit our teacher resource page.

Supporters

School and Teacher Programs are made possible by generous support from the Jim Joseph Foundation, The Bavar Family Foundation, California Arts Council, The Ullendorff Memorial Foundation, Toole Family Charitable Foundation, and Jewish Community Federation and Endowment Fund.