Applications for the 2022 Black/Jewish Project Understanding retreats are now open!
Project Understanding, a signature achievement of AJC's Atlanta Black/Jewish Coalition, ensures that relationships between Black and/or Jewish thought leaders continue to expand into Atlanta’s next generation.
Learn more about this year's Project Understanding retreats and apply:
- Marvin C. Goldstein Project Understanding Retreat for Emerging Leaders (ages 25-39)
- Project Understanding Gen X (ages 40-55)
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
- Marvin C. Goldstein Black/Jewish Project Understanding Emerging Leaders Retreat (ages 25-39)
- Black/Jewish Project Understanding for Gen X (ages 40-55)
- Black/Jewish Project Understanding Initiative for Teens
Black/Jewish Coalition Co-Chairs
Mark Dawson is Founder and Managing Partner of Benton & Muse Consulting, a firm dedicated to digital business strategy, program management, enterprise solutions, and information technology transformation. He was named one of the “100 Most Important Blacks in Technology” by Black Engineer Magazine because of his consistency in making a positive and lasting impact on the clients, corporations, and communities he is committed to serving. A graduate of Jackson State University and native Chicagoan, Mark grew up engaged in his community and believes education and action are the cornerstones of self and economic empowerment. To that end, the father of three actively serves on the Board of the Urban League of Greater Atlanta. He also serves on the DeKalb County Chamber of Commerce’s Economic Development Committee. Dawson is also an active member of the Association for Corporate Growth and the Technology Association of Georgia.
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.
AJC's Atlanta Black/Jewish Coalition Steering Committee
Simone Bonnejonne
Christopher Bruce
Heather Infantry
Lisa Lebovitz
Brittany Marshall
Reverend Kenneth Murriel
Billy Planer
Denise Reese
Dawn Tresh
Lamar Walker
Trinae Watkins
