From the Civil Rights Movement to today’s ongoing work for equity and understanding, the Jewish and African American communities have found strength in solidarity. At our best, we show up for one another—and that is exactly what we last Monday when the Coalition for Jewish and African American Unity and the Center for Volunteerism joined with Kean University’s Faith Based Policy Institute for the Martin Luther King Jr. Celebration and Service with Purpose.
The day began with a powerful celebration led by both Dr. Cynthia Atkins and Reverend Reginald Atkins, which honored Dr. King’s legacy and included inspiring remarks from Coalition Co-Chair Liz Liss and Kean University President Dr. Lamont Repollet, as well as a keynote address from Jamal Simmons, Communications Director for former Vice President Kamala Harris. One of the most meaningful moments was seeing Christian, Baptist, Muslim and Jewish leaders standing together on the same stage, arm in arm.
Attendees were also moved by soul-stirring performances from the Kean University Gospel Choir and the Newark All Stars Marching Band, which then led more than 150 attendees into the second part of the day, Service with Purpose. Federation was proud to sponsor the project that brought together Jewish and African American communities to address the growing issue of basic needs insecurity among college students. Nationwide, more than 23 percent of college students struggle to meet basic needs like food and housing. In New Jersey, that number rises to a staggering 30-40 percent. Participants worked side by side, writing notes of inspiration and packing 1,000 campus care packages filled with cold weather gear and shelf-stable food for students at Kean University, Montclair State, Union College, New Jersey City University, Seton Hall and Roselle and Hillside High Schools.
Watching people of all ages and backgrounds stand together was a powerful reminder that we are stronger when we work as one. Our Coalition’s work continues as we deepen relationships and strengthen bonds across our communities. This commitment includes a Coalition trip to Washington, DC later this spring, where we will visit the National Museum of African American History and Culture and the United States Holocaust Memorial Museum.