A black and a Jewish fraternity are running joint programs to promote tolerance on U.S. campuses.
Alpha Epsilon Pi, a Jewish fraternity, and Kappa Alpha Psi, a historically black fraternity, will honor past members who made outstanding contributions to civil rights.
They include Michael Schwermer, a young Jewish man who was murdered during the voting rights drive of the 1960s, and Ralph Abernathy, a former president of the Southern Christian Leadership Conference who was an outspoken supporter of Israel.
B’nai B’rith International, which announced the joint effort Wednesday, is a sponsor.
“Reopening the dialogue between these groups is the first step for a successful new partnership between these communities,” B’nai B’rith said in a statement.
The program, launched in February, has included a talk at the University of Florida by LaVon Mercer, an African American who played for Israel’s national basketball team in the 1980s and served in the Israeli army, and a New York University program on the crisis in Darfur.
Help ensure Jewish news remains accessible to all. Your donation to the Jewish Telegraphic Agency powers the trusted journalism that has connected Jewish communities worldwide for more than 100 years. With your help, JTA can continue to deliver vital news and insights. Donate today.