About AJC's Atlanta Black/Jewish Coalition
In 1982, a group of concerned citizens from Atlanta's Black and Jewish communities came together to campaign for the renewal of the Voting Rights Act. The drive to renew one of the most important pieces of civil rights legislation in U.S. history reinvigorated the bond between the two communities. Those involved decided to create a coalition to ensure that open dialogue and partnership between the Black and Jewish communities would continue in Atlanta.
Today, AJC's Atlanta Black/Jewish Coalition has emerged as a central platform for education, outreach and advocacy. As participation reaches new heights, the Coalition continues to build on its original mission by providing a forum for meaningful dialogue and action.
Mission Statement:
Increase the understanding of, interactions amongst, and authentic relationships between those identifying with the Black, Jewish, and Jews of Color communities.
AJC's Atlanta Black/Jewish Coalition advances its mission by:
- Responding with definitive education, advocacy, and action to issues of concern
- Providing opportunities to combat white supremacy and advance voting rights
- Expressing support for the critical issues of each other’s communities
- Creating awareness for the work of the Atlanta Black/Jewish Coalition
Initiatives of AJC Atlanta's Black/Jewish Coalition
- Black/Jewish Teen Initiative (juniors and seniors in high school)
- Marvin C. Goldstein Black/Jewish Project Understanding Emerging Leaders Retreat (ages 25-39)
- Black/Jewish Project Understanding for Gen X (ages 40-55)
Information about the Spring 2024 Project Understanding retreat will be released in Fall 2023. Sign up for emails above to receive a notification when the application is released.
2023 Black/Jewish Coalition Co-Chairs
Rabbi Bradley Levenberg serves as one of the rabbis of Temple Sinai in Sandy Springs, a post he has held since 2006. He has been active and involved in numerous community organizations, including the American Jewish Committee and the Atlanta Jewish Film Festival. Rabbi Levenberg has also been a fierce advocate for racial equity and justice, finding his passion through the relationships he has with others similarly enlisted in the struggle. He is the spouse of Rebecca Levenberg and the father of Ilana, Evan, and Schnitzel the dog.
Victoria Raggs is the co-founder and Executive Director of The Atlanta Jews of Color Council (AJOCC), an organization that does DEI consulting and advocates for the diversity of the Jewish people. Victoria serves on the Board of Directors of the Jewish Family and Career Services (JF&CS) and sits on American Jewish Committee (AJC)'s Atlanta Board of Councilors. She and her family are members of Congregation B'nai Torah in Sandy Springs.
Dr. Jonathan Wortham MD is a physician at the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). He graduated from Washington and Lee University with a bachelor's degree in Chemistry and subsequently completed medical school and a pediatric residency at Baylor College of Medicine in Houston, Texas. He has authored more than 40 scientific manuscripts about various public health topics and continues to practice pediatrics in urgent care settings in Atlanta. * Dr. Wortham is serving in his personal capacity.
AJC's Atlanta Black/Jewish Coalition Steering Committee
Simone Bonnejonne
Lily Brent
Christopher Bruce
Maddie Cook
Brian Cornelius
Sarah Fields
Jeff Fisher
Crystal Jordan
Adina Langer
DeMark Liggins
Aprille Moore
Charisse Price
Gabrielle Rogers
Lisa Schaubelt
Gabby Spatt
LaMar Walker
Chris Walker
Melissa Waller
Matt Weiss
