Russell Simmons And The Black/Jewish Alliance

NEWARK, NJ – Mayor Cory A. Booker, members of the Newark Municipal Council, and The Newark Museum will host a conversation on the Black/Jewish Alliance with businessman, author and philanthropist Russell Simmons and prominent Jewish leader and author Rabbi Marc Schneier, on Tuesday, February 15, 2011, at 7:30 p.m. at The Newark Museum, in celebration of Black History Month. The Newark Museum is located at 49 Washington Street.

Forbes Magazine recently named Mr. Simmons as one of “Hollywood’s Most Influential Celebrities.” USA Today named him one of the “Top 25 Most Influential People of the Past 25 Years,” calling him a “hip-hop pioneer” for his groundbreaking vision that has influenced music, fashion, finance, the jewelry industry, television and film, as well as the face of modern philanthropy. Mr. Simmons also serves as a UN Goodwill Ambassador.

Rabbi Marc Schneier is the 18th generation of a distinguished rabbinic dynasty. Named one of the 50 most prominent Jews in the United States by The Forward and one of America's top 50 rabbis by Newsweek Magazine, Rabbi Schneier is an international figure who is known for his innovative leadership in the promotion of dialogue and cooperation in intergroup and race relations.

The Foundation for Ethnic Understanding (FFEU) was founded more than twenty years ago by Rabbi Marc Schneier and the late Joseph Papp to promote racial harmony and strengthen interethnic relations. Led today by President Rabbi Schneier and Chairman Russell Simmons, FFEU is in the forefront of combating anti-Semitism and Islamophobia in the Jewish and Muslim communities around the world. This year marks the 20th anniversary of the Crown Heights riot. FFEU was and continues to be instrumental in the reconciliation of the Black and Jewish communities since that time.