As 2025 drew to a close, AFC USA partnered with Classrooms Without Borders for a weeklong Pittsburgh tour of Letters From Anne and Martin, reaching nearly 1,000 students in six schools. The most powerful moment came when we brought the performance to the August Wilson African American Cultural Center in a collaboration with The Hear Foundation—an organization devoted to healing communities and reducing violence.
The public performance on November 13 was followed by a remarkable panel featuring:
- Actors Marcel Daly (Martin) and Amelia Dudley (Anne)
- Community leaders Leon Ford and Cindy Haines of The Hear Foundation
- Emmy Award–winning filmmaker Emmai Alaquiva
- Policy expert Lenny McCallister
Their conversation illuminated how Anne Frank’s words continue to intersect with today’s struggles for justice, empathy, and unity.
Leon Ford—who survived being shot five times by police in 2012 and has since become a nationally recognized voice for healing and community safety—captured the heart of the evening:
“Performances and discussions that take texts to new places are essential educational tools. During these times of uncertainty—when TV and social media tell us how disconnected and divisive we are—this is the example of our truth. Our truth is we’re not disconnected; we’re very much connected. And the more we show up for one another, the more we feel that truth and its reality.”
Local educators agreed. Dr. R.J. Long, principal of East Allegheny Jr./Sr. High School, shared:
“The panel created space for real connection with community leaders. Those relationships may lead to new partnerships that will positively impact our students.”
This special evening was made possible thanks to support from the Fine Foundation and the Florence and Laurence Spungen Family Foundation.
*Thank you to the Pittsburgh Jewish Chronicle for contributing to this story.
