Expert Panel to Discuss Jewish-Black Relations

A panel of experts will discuss the state of Jewish-African American relations in an event to be held in Santa Monica on Sunday.

Organized by the Sholem Community Organization, the event will trace the historical relationship of the two minorities in Los Angeles.

“Alliances between blacks and Jews have weakened since the ‘60s and ‘70s, when the two communities fought side by side for civil rights,” said Neil Richmon, the panel facilitator.

There will be an open discussion on how to build a progressive multiethnic alliance in Los Angeles in an era of anti-immigrant politics and cuts in affirmative action.

Panelists include Stanley Sheinbaum, a board member of the American Jewish Congress; Gary Phillips, project director for the Multicultural Collaborative; and Raphael J. Sonenshein, executive director of the city of Los Angeles Charter Reform Commission and a political science professor at Cal State Fullerton.

The Sholem Community Organization is a secular group that claims 100 families as members. The event begins at 10:30 a.m. at the Crossroads School at 21st Street and Olympic Boulevard.