BJLC’s vision prioritizes generating Black joy through Black Jewish theology and political organizing. Embedded in this vision is a dedication to build up the role of Black Jewish organizing among the Black liberation movement, aligning Black movement organizers with one another.
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“I want to see more examples in media, on stages, both commercial and non-commercial, of JOCISM folks being able to take up their full identities and tell their stories.” Though Pinkney doesn’t want to force the artists to create works that are about their identities, he believes that the work that will emerge will diversify who we think of as a Jew.
Hillel is looking to expand their reach to the Jews of Color community, recognizing that Jews of Color are more highly represented among young adult Jews, their target population at their 500 university campus locations.
Ray Williams just finished their freshman year in high school, but their vision for Jewish leadership is one that reflects experiences of Jews of Color across generations.
Dr. Harriette Wimms is ready to continue her journey as a leader in the community and believes authentic human connection is a driving force for progress.
Stacey Aviva Flint knows that Jews of Color lack communal leaders in which they can see themselves reflected. As Bonai Shalom’s Executive Director, she hopes that she can be a role model for Jew of Color interested in a similar career field.
As the first Black Jew or Jew of Color to serve on the 5-person board of the Weinberg Foundation, Pretlow has catalyzed discussions and actions around investment in racial equity in philanthropy in the Jewish community.
Queer Mikveh Project wants all humans to feel sacred, and their new JoC leaders are expanding on the mission of QMP to create inclusive spaces for engaging in traditional ritual.
Questioning the Jewishness of Jews of Color or holding higher standards for observance or belief is a common barrier to Jews of Color feeling a full sense of belonging in Jewish communities, despite the high levels of atheism and secularism in the broader U.S. Jewish community.
In racial justice movements, caucus groups have been popular models for collective consciousness-raising—developing one’s awareness of, and ability to challenge, how racism plays out on both individual and structural levels.