Exploring Black-Jewish Alliances In America And On College Campuses

Black and Jewish communities collaborated substantially from the late 1800s through the mid-1900s. These efforts helped progress educational, political and social equality for Blacks and Jews in America. However, political, racial and economic factors have strained community ties in recent decades.

College students at campuses nationwide have begun reviving Black-Jewish relations through joint programming and dialogue. Yale University, The University of Texas at Austin and Brandeis University each house unique models of Black-Jewish collaboration. One-on-one dialogue, coupled with an intentional shift in perspective, can help combat implicit and explicit racial biases in society. The practical and psychological benefits of forming Black-Jewish student alliances on campus far outweigh the time commitment and obstacles that may arise.