At-a-Glance

• The Charlie Ward Champions Ranch and the Holocaust Education Resource Council (HERC) hosted a free, sold-out showing of Shared Legacies in Tallahassee to spark intergenerational dialogue and community connection.
• SMPR promoted the screening across digital, newspaper, TV, and radio news outlets, helping drive registrations to capacity, signaling strong audience reach and interest.
• Shared Legacies explored historic Black and Jewish alliances during the civil rights movement, followed by a post-film panel discussion that encouraged respectful reflection, questions, and continued community conversation.

Table of Contents

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In February 2026, SMPR made news about a Tallahassee community partnership centered on a meaningful Black History Month film screening focused on education, connection, and dialogue.

The Charlie Ward Champions Ranch and Holocaust Education Resource Council (HERC) teamed up to bring the community together for a free showing of Shared Legacies, a powerful film that highlights the shared legacy of Black and Jewish Americans during the civil rights movement. Hosted in partnership with the Challenger Learning Center, the event created space for learning, reflection, and respectful conversation across generations.

February is Black History Month, a time to recognize the contributions, leadership, and resilience of Black Americans throughout history. This screening and community discussion offered a timely opportunity to highlight the power of collaboration, unity, and civic engagement.

About Champions Ranch: Charlie and Tonja Ward’s Mission for Youth and Families

Former NBA player and Heisman Trophy winner Charlie Ward and his wife, Tonja Ward, created Champions Ranch as a faith-filled athletic destination to connect youth and families with opportunities for recreation, wellness, performing arts, life skills, or education.

In December, SMPR had the opportunity to support the Groundbreaking Ceremony for Charlie Ward Champions Ranch and tell their story. 

Only a few short months later, we were excited to help amplify Champions Ranch’s new collaboration with HERC and the Challenger Learning Center, bringing together community members around education, history, and connection.

‍How We Made News About the Shared Legacies Screening

Tonja Ward and HERC Executive Director Barbara Goldstein shared the story behind the partnership, which grew from a shared commitment to youth education, community building, and strengthening local connections. Shared Legacies was designed to be more than a film screening. With the Challenger Learning Center’s support, the event was designed as an opportunity to bridge generations, encourage conversation, and create a shared learning experience.

We jumped right in, working with reporters across digital, newspaper, broadcast TV, and radio outlets to share Champions Ranch and HERC’s story. We invited local news to get the word out about the upcoming screening and join us to experience the film alongside the community. 

Before we knew it, registrations sold out. 

‍With demand continuing to climb, Champions Ranch and HERC opened a waitlist for those hoping to secure free tickets as spots opened up. Dozens more joined the queue and some even reached out personally to ask how they could be a part of this.

‍That was our sign that this story had reached the right audience and had truly resonated with the community.

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‍Inside the Event: Documentary and Post-Film Discussion

We attended the screening to join community members for an impactful night of connection and learning. 

Shared Legacies dove into how the relationship between Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. and Rabbi Abraham Joshua Heschel had a profound impact on the American Civil Rights movement. It also explored stories of resilience, togetherness, and the historic alliances that shaped the world we live in today. Shared Legacies reminded us that we are even more powerful when we come together.

But the event went beyond the screen. One of the most powerful parts of the night was the panel discussion that took place after the credits rolled. Community members had the chance to explore questions they had after the film and share what they learned in a respectful, reflective setting. The discussion emphasized what the partnership set out to do from the beginning: build bridges, strengthen community understanding, and create meaningful connections between youth and local leaders.

The energy was anything but heavy as audience members filed out into the lobby. Attendees left the theater feeling inspired and hopeful for our shared future.

‍A Reflection on Community Impact

Elevating Champions Ranch and HERC’s partnership through the screening of Shared Legacies allowed us to reflect on the meaningful work we do at SMPR.

We support organizations that create positive community impact. This campaign demonstrates our efforts to elevate mission-driven organizations and connect them with the audiences they want to reach.

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