Black and Jewish entertainment professionals sign unity statement

More than 170 Black and Jewish entertainment industry professionals have signed a unity statement with the goal of improving relations between Blacks and Jews while countering racism and antisemitism in the entertainment community.

Aaron Bay-Schuck, Warner Records chief executive officer and co-chairman. (By Michael Tran/Getty Images)

The statement, which is going to appear this month in full-page advertisements in entertainment publications Billboard and Variety, marks the launch of the Black-Jewish Entertainment Alliance, an effort “to bring the two communities together in solidarity, to support each other in their struggles, and to better understand each other’s plight and narratives,” according to the recently-launched organization website.

“The Black and Jewish communities, who have a long history of supporting and working together, are so much stronger when we stand together in this fight against hate,” Bay-Schuck, who has worked with recording artists Bruno Mars and Dua Lipa, said in a statement. “This Alliance will elevate voices in the entertainment community that can help the public to better understand the causes, manifestations, and effects of racism and anti-Semitism, ensuring that our industry is doing its part to be a voice for hope, unity and healing in the country.”…

Actor Nick Cannon, who faced public backlash last year after making antisemitic comments during a podcast, also signed the statement.

Nick Cannon at the 2010 Time 100 Gala (by David Shankbone)

The statement reads, “We acknowledge that the Black and Jewish communities have a shared history of subjugation and persecution…The Jewish community must continue to speak out against racial injustice and work to effect change, while the Black community must continue to speak out against all forms of anti-Semitism.”…

A series of events to mark the launch are in the works, including a Feb. 17 webinar, “Diverse Voices: Growing up Both Black and Jewish,” featuring singer-songwriter Autumn Rowe; former professional basketball player David Blu and social justice artist Bourn Rich.