Oldest Synagogue in Atlanta, GA, Hosts Unity Dialogue with Black and Jewish Students
Last week, the oldest synagogue in Atlanta, GA, welcomed in not congregants but Black and Jewish students from nearby historically Black colleges and universities (HBCUs) and predominantly White institutions (PWIs).
Over 400 students and members of the community gathered on April 22, 2026 at The Temple, which was established in 1860, for a “Black and Jewish America Fireside Chat” with Dr. Michael L. Lomax, president and CEO, UNCF, and Dr. Henry Louis Gates, Jr., also known as “Skip”, Alphonse Fletcher University professor and director of the Hutchins Center for African and African American Research at Harvard University.
Together, Dr. Lomax and Dr. Gates, Jr. explored the deep and evolving relationship between Black and Jewish Americans. They discussed shared histories, cultural connections and opportunities for continued partnership and progress. During the event, they also took questions from the audience.
Lisa Rayam, host of “Morning Edition” on WABE, moderated the conversation. The event was held in collaboration with UNCF, the Blue Square Alliance and Hillel International.
Audience members included: Ambassador Andrew Young; Leroy Chapman, editor in chief, Atlanta Journal-Constitution; Rev. Dwight Andrews, professor of music theory and African American music, Emory University, and senior minister of First Congregational United Church of Christ in Atlanta; Dr. Lawrence Edward Carter Sr., professor and founding dean, Martin Luther King, Jr. International Chapel, Morehouse College (who just delivered his final sermon after 47 years); Georgia State Senator Sonya Halpern (G-39); Georgia State Representative Esther Panitch (G-51); Sherry Frank, former director, American Jewish Committee’s Atlanta chapter, and initiator of the Atlanta Black-Jewish Coalition and the Faith Alliance of Metro Atlanta; Lois Reitzes, a longtime Atlanta NPR WABE radio show host; and Ingrid Saunders Jones, chair, National Council of Negro Women, Inc.
Dr. John Eaves, a former chairman of Fulton County, GA and the program director of UNCF’s Tikkun Olam initiative, opened the evening by sharing his own background as a Black and Jewish American.
The Fireside Chat at the Temple was part of UNCF’s Tikkun Olam initiative, which has held Unity Dinners with Black and Jewish students across the country for the last two years. “Tikkun olam”, a phrase in Hebrew that means repairing the world, is a Jewish concept of responsibility to transform and address systemic issues and promote social justice.
The initiative fosters meaningful relationships between Black and Jewish students at HBCUs and PWIs, engages students in dialogue and collaboration and raises awareness of the historical and contemporary challenges faced by both communities. By confronting legacies of hate and discrimination, Tikkun Olam Initiative participants explore narratives of resilience, advocacy and the intertwined struggles for justice.
In February, PBS aired a four-part series titled “Black and Jewish America: An Interwoven History”, where Dr. Gates, Jr. traced the rich, complex relationship between Black and Jewish Americans and explored the challenges and enduring promise of that alliance. This shared history of racism and antisemitism forged civic and cultural bonds, especially during the civil rights era.
