Black Jews have been a part of American history since before the colonial era, likely originating from Jews of Africa who were sold as slaves in the New World, and some slaves who converted to the Jewish faith of their slaveowners. Jews of color stemming from Roman-African or Afro-Caribbean descent, of diverse lineage, or who convert to Judaism, continue to contribute to the rich and multi-faceted history of the Jewish people. Many famous black Jews, such as Sammy Davis Jr., Charles Mc Dew, Daveed Diggs, Tiffany Haddish, Rashida Jones, Drake, Yitz Jordan (Y-Love), Shyne, Lenny Kravitz, Nissim Black, Eric Andre, and more have helped create awareness about this community. Today, some of these Jews of Color have also come together in communities and organizations to bring them out of the margins and into the mainstream of American Jewry. However, race relations and identity politics, especially surrounding Israel and Zionism, often complicate the identity of black Jews, forcing them feel that their race and culture are at odds with one another. Even whether or not the term “Jew of color” is positive or negative is sometimes up for debate. Jews of all races and ethnic backgrounds must come together and unite as a people with a shared mission.
