Facilitating understanding between local Black and Jewish communities and countering antisemitism and anti-Black racism.
The Coalition for Black and Jewish Unity (CBJU) was founded almost a decade ago as a Detroit-based organization comprised of partner organizations and community leaders representing the local Black and Jewish communities.
Coalition for Black
and Jewish Unity Mission
Speak out
Oppose racism, antisemitism and other forms of ethnic-based hatred.
Promote Unity
Foster allyship and understanding between the diverse members of the Black community and the Jewish community.
Education and Social Action
Identify and implement educational and social action advocacy initiatives that serve the cause of fighting racism, antisemitism and ethnic-based hatred.
Cultivate Future Leaders
Develop programming aimed at younger community members to identify and cultivate future leaders of the organization.
Leadership Academy
The Coalition’s Leadership Academy offers a unique opportunity for Black and Jewish student leaders to explore issues affecting their respective communities, and to find their voice to stand against hatred.
From January to May, selected students attend monthly learning sessions facilitated by Black and Jewish leaders on topics including the local history of both communities, the impact of racism and antisemitism, contemporary issues facing Black and Jewish Americans, as well as allyship and advocacy skills.
Students conclude their learning experience with a trip to Washington, D.C., including visits to Capitol Hill, museums, and historic sites.
Applications open in late Fall and students selected to participate are notified by early January.
Partner Organizations
Coalition for Black and Jewish Unity
Executive Committee
Rev. Deedee Coleman
Co-Chair
Pastor Emeritus, Russell Street Missionary Baptist Church
Rabbi Marla Hornstei
Co-Chair
Rabbi, Temple Israel
Rev. Robyn Moore
Co-Director
Pastor, First Baptist Institutional Church
Mark Jacobs
Co-Director
Lay leader, Jewish Federation of Detroit
Pastor Aramis Hinds
Co-Director of Programming
Pastor, Breakers Church
Carolyn Normandin
Co-Director of Programming
Former Regional Director ADL – Michigan
Erin Cavataro
Director of Community Relations
Jewish Federation of Detroit
Elyssa Schmier
Director
ADL Michigan
Pastor Orville Littlejohn
President
Council of Baptist Pastors of Detroit and Vicinity
N. Charles Anderson
President/CEO
Urban League of Detroit & Southeastern Michigan
Pastor Jean Overman
Chairperson
NAACP Western Wayne County
Chazzan Dan Gross
Cantor
Adat Shalom Synagogue
Pastor C.J. Sampson
Senior Pastor
Greater New Mount Moriah Baptist Church
Bishop Marcus Ways Sr.
Pastor and Founder
Christian Gospel Center
Church of God in Christ
Rev. Maurice Flaniken
Senior Pastor
Trinity Baptist Church
Dr. Ruth Pauline Plummer
CEO/ Founder
Covenant Daughters International
Dion Williams
Director of Community Relations
Detroit Medical Center
Amy Zeskind
President
NCJW MI
CBJU In the News
Future Black and Jewish Leaders Go to D.C.
Coalition for Black and Jewish unity brings high school students together for second year of transformative Leadership Academy.
READ MORECoalition focuses on unity against racism
More than 150 people gathered at the inaugural Coalition for Black and Jewish Unity, a new partnership working to promote solidarity among Metro Detroit Jews and African-Americans while tackling issues affecting both groups
READ MOREA discussion about the relationship between Black and Jewish communities in Detroit
American Black Journal has highlights from a panel discussion at The Wright Museum held in conjunction with the Dr. Henry Louis Gates documentary “Black and Jewish America: An Interwoven History.”
READ MORECONNECT
WITH US
Email Coalition for Black and Jewish Unity at CBJU@Jewishdetroit.org
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