WELDON – During the month of April, Halifax Community College (HCC) is hosting multiple exhibits aimed at increasing education about the Holocaust of World War II.

On loan from the North Carolina Council on the Holocaust, the exhibits cover a broad range of topics, from the political cartoons of Theodor Geisel, better known as Dr. Seuss, to what life was like after survival of the Holocaust.

Throughout the month, exhibits will be on display in the gallery of The Griffin Centre on the campus of HCC. Viewing the exhibits is free, and is part of a month-long Holocaust remembrance activity.

Abram Piasek, a Holocaust survivor, will be on campus to discuss his experiences at 11 a.m. on April 17 in the Griffin Centre as part of the remembrance as well. He will serve as the second speaker for the Presidential Lecture Series.

Piasek was only 11 years old when the Nazi party rose to power in his Polish town of Bialobrzegi. Within months, the peaceful village was transformed into a den of fear for the Jewish population. Deportations became commonplace and Piasek soon found himself on a train.

The details of what he has seen, heard and survived are remarkable. The horrors he has witnessed would cause many to be perpetually angry and bitter. However, Piasek is not like the many. Instead, his experiences have strengthened his resolve to fight hate in the world. He has been sharing his story for years, captivating audiences of all ages through his personal insights.

“People have to know,” he said. “There are a lot of deniers, people who don’t believe this happened. That’s why I decided to tell my story firsthand, where I was a kid myself. I think I turned out pretty good.”

“Mr. Piasek’s perspective on one of history’s greatest atrocities is important for us all to hear. No matter how old we are, we have to remember that hate does nothing but destroy lives. My hope is that Mr. Piasek’s message will strengthen a movement of unity in our community,” said Dr. Michael Elam, president of HCC

The Presidential Lecture Series is one piece of Elam’s initiative to make HCC an Institute for Progressive Communities. Elam began this initiative in 2018, developing an environment at HCC that will serve as the starting point for programs and projects that strive to unify our community.

The event is free and open to the public. All are invited, and encouraged, to attend.

For more information, contact Molly Wallace at mwallace786@halifaxcc.edu or 252-538-4319.