BOONE, N.C. — James Luke Barber ’18, graduate student in the political science program in Appalachian State University's Department of Government and Justice Studies, is contributing to the preservation of Holocaust histories through his work for App State's Center for Judaic, Holocaust and Peace Studies (CJHPS).
Before beginning his graduate studies, Barber earned his bachelor’s degree in communication with a concentration in journalism from App State and went on to write for several local newspapers. One of Barber’s earliest professional articles covered a lecture by historian Dr. Christopher Browning, author of Ordinary Men, at a past CJHPS Martin and Doris Rosen Symposium. That assignment sparked a connection with the Center that would continue long after the event ended.
As a local journalist, Barber stayed in touch with the Center, reaching out again following the passing of its co-founder, Dr. Rennie Bratz. That conversation led him to another story — an in‑depth profile of the Center’s other co-founder, Dr. Zohara Boyd, a child survivor of the Holocaust. Barber’s article on Dr. Boyd, published in the Watauga Democrat, later received a first place award from the North Carolina Press Association. He also filmed an interview with Dr. Boyd to help preserve her testimony:
Amy Hudnall, who served as the Center’s director at the time, encouraged Barber to continue documenting the experiences of individuals connected to the Center. As his schedule allows, Barber has been conducting those interviews, editing them, and publishing them on his YouTube channel, contributing to a growing archive of Holocaust stories freely available to the public.
"Ultimately, as a journalist, I figured that if I didn't record and document these stories they would be lost to history," he shared.
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About the Center for Judaic, Holocaust and Peace Studies
Appalachian State University’s Center for Judaic, Holocaust and Peace Studies was established in 2002 to develop new educational opportunities for students, teachers and the community. Located administratively within the College of Arts and Sciences, the center’s vision promotes tolerance, understanding and respect for all human life. To accomplish this vision, the center works to strengthen tolerance, understanding and remembrance by increasing the knowledge of Jewish culture and history, teaching the history and meaning of the Holocaust and utilizing these experiences to explore peaceful avenues for human improvement and the prevention of further genocides. Learn more at holocaust.appstate.edu.
About the Department of Government and Justice Studies
Appalachian State University’s Department of Government and Justice Studies offers undergraduate programs in political science and criminal justice, and graduate programs in political science and public administration. Housed in the College of Arts and Sciences, the department has over 600 undergraduate majors and more than 70 graduate students. Learn more at gjs.appstate.edu.
About the Department of Communication
One of seven departments housed in the College of Fine and Applied Arts, the Department of Communication at Appalachian State University focuses on preparing students to succeed in the varied fields within the communication industry. The department offers five majors – advertising, communication studies, electronic media/broadcasting, journalism and public relations – and a minor in communication studies. Graduates work in a wide range of positions in media, corporate, agency, government and nonprofit organizations. Learn more at communication.appstate.edu.
By Lauren Gibbs
January 29, 2026
BOONE, N.C.
James Luke Barber ’18 is a graduate student in the political science program in Appalachian State University's Department of Government and Justice Studies. Photo submitted
James Luke Barber ’18 is a graduate student in the political science program in Appalachian State University's Department of Government and Justice Studies. Photo submitted