Black-Jewish Relations
The history of cooperation between the Jewish communities pre-dates the Civil Rights Movement. Despite the media's portrayal of the communities acrimony, this cooperation continues. The RAC continues to work on significant civil rights legislation and other issues of concern to both the African-American and Jewish communities.
In the past few decades the perception that this partnership no longer exists, that it is an historical artifact, has permeated American popular culture. However, the RAC has been at the center of more events in the name of Black-Jewish relations than almost any other issue. Although there is always the chance of problems in the interactions between individuals in the two communities, cooperation exists at the local and national level on all issues that have an impact, directly and/or indirectly, on Blacks and Jews. The two communities work together in leading the fight on several issues, including welfare, economic justice, affirmative action, reproductive rights and gay/lesbian issues.
The Reform Movement and Black-Jewish Relations
Through funding from the Marjorie Kovler Institute for Black-Jewish Relations, the Union of Reform Judaism and the NAACP have worked together to develop resources to assist those working to develop greater understanding between Jews and Blacks, including The Common Road to Justice: A Programming Manual for Blacks and Jews and The Common Road to Freedom: A Passover Haggadah . Both items are available from the Religious Action Center. In addition, the RAC gives the Civil Rights Leadership Award every other year in honor of Dr. Martin Luther King Day.