On Thursday, November 7, 2002, Dr. Mona Ackerman hosted at her home The Foundation’s fall benefit reception. Benjamin Brafman and Kevin Liles received the “Joseph Papp Racial Harmony Awards” from Foundation President Rabbi Marc Schneier and Foundation Secretary Russell Simmons. Both Mr. Brafman and Mr. Liles spoke passionately of their dedication to the cause of Black/Jewish relations. Sean “P. Diddy” Combs spoke movingly of his relationship with Benjamin Brafman and how he was exposed to Judaism by discussing Biblical texts and wearing a red bendl to court, a gift from Mr. Brafman. Russell Simmons paid tribute to his protégé Kevin Liles, how he has demonstrated a profound commitment to reaching out to individuals from all walks of life.

The “Corporate Diversity Award” was presented to The Cendant Corporation, which has a distinguished history of promoting diversity in the workplace. John Chidsey, Chairman & CEO of Vehicle and Financial Services, accepted the award and announced a new partnership with The Foundation. The “Cendant Grassroots Racial Harmony Awards” will recognize local organizations that work on race relations at The Foundation’s benefit in 2003. WABC-TV received the “Community Service Racial Harmony Award,” which was accepted by President & General Manager Tom Kane. WABC-TV has partnered with The Foundation for many years in distributing The Foundation’s annual Report on Black/Jewish Relations in the United States.

Copyright © 2005 The Foundation For Ethnic Understanding
The Foundation for Ethnic Understanding was founded in 1989 by Rabbi Marc Schneier and the late Joseph Papp. We are committed to the belief that direct, face-to-face, dialogue between leaders of ethnic communities is the most effective path toward the reduction of bigotry and the promotion of reconciliation and understanding.

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