The African American Jewish Coalition (AAJC) is a non-religious, non-profit, grass roots community group that strives to bridge the gaps between the cities and suburbs of Essex and Union Counties, New Jersey. Its primary financial support is derived from financial contributions from the Martin Luther King, Jr. Commemorative Commission of New Jersey, and from services provided by the Community Relations Committee of the United Jewish Communities of MetroWest New Jersey.

The AAJC was founded in the 1980’s out of the friendship of two East Orange merchants (Larry L. Linkov and Phil Lefton) and store patron Eddie Lewis. As their friendship grew, it did not matter that one of them was an African American and the others were Jewish American. They invited each other into one another’s houses of worship and into one another’s homes, came to understand their similarities and differences, and formed the AAJC.

Since then, the AAJC has provided hands-on, educational, enjoyable community programs that bring people together. Though not a religious organization, programs sometimes occur in religious venues. Out of respect to peoples’ religions and heritages, it meets in different locations for each meeting and program. As a progressive organization for the 21^st century, it is showing flexibility and growth by including within its programs and meetings:

1. the understanding of and response to the changing complexion of our major cities,

2. the participation by members of The Nation of Islam, and

3. the development of an AAJC Teen Auxiliary to foster leadership skills and an appreciation of diversity.

Please read on to learn more about the AAJC, and why…

…we are more similar than different