Henry Louis Gates Jr. Investigates the Relationship and Tension Between Black and Jewish Americans: ‘A Powerful Combination'

A new docuseries led by Henry Louis Gates Jr. delves into the intricate and historically rich relationship between Black and Jewish Americans. When these communities unite creatively or politically, they form an unstoppable force, a participant remarks in the trailer.

Black & Jewish America: An Interwoven History will debut on PBS on February 3, offering a four-part exploration of these intertwined experiences.

Gates, the 75-year-old host of Finding Your Roots, reflects in the trailer, Growing up, I only thought of race in terms of Black and White. It wasnt until later, learning about antisemitism, that I realized the shared challenges both communities face. When we unite, we are formidable.

The series highlights the complexity of this relationship. The connection between African Americans and Jews is multifaceted and cannot be simplified, a woman in the trailer explains. A man adds, When these communities join forces, creatively or politically, they become a juggernaut.

Music is highlighted as a central point of synergy. Jewish individuals have often been among the first outside the culture to embrace Black music, one interviewee notes. Billy Crystal, speaking with Gates, adds, A white Jewish producer and the greatest Black jazz singer of all time. Why cant the world be like this?

The series also explores the shared struggle that underpins this history. Princeton professor Cornel West recalls, Rabbi Heschel was told he might not survive because people were being killed in Selma. Another participant reflects, The Civil Rights Movement healed our souls after the horrors of Nazi Germany. The trailer notes a visible BlackJewish alliance during the Civil Rights era.

Yet tensions have also existed. Gates observes, The relationship has faced its difficulties. One man points out, There is a perception of Jews as the haves and Blacks as the have-nots. Archival footage highlights affirmative action as a point of division, while another voice cautions, Its important to remember our differences; we come from distinct histories.

Moments of Conflict and Calls for Dialogue

The trailer includes footage of clashes, such as the Crown Heights incident, which tragically ended with a young boys death. Former President Barack Obama emphasizes the importance of sustaining communication: We must not allow the relationship between Jews and African Americans to suffer.

Recent events, including the 2017 Charlottesville attack, serve as stark reminders of shared threats. At Charlottesville, a supposedly White nationalist rally turned violent, the trailer reports, showing swastikas and Confederate flags. Rev. Al Sharpton adds, Most anti-Semites are also racist.

The series also addresses how the IsraeliPalestinian conflict has created friction between some members of these communities. Moving forward, honest dialogue is deemed essential. We must listen to all the anger, even if its uncomfortable, one participant notes. Another adds, Discussing Black and Jewish experiences today is difficult, but difficult conversations are worth having.

Black & Jewish America: An Interwoven History premieres February 3 on PBS.

Author: Ava Mitchell