On June 26, 2003, The Foundation for Ethnic Understanding held its 2nd Annual Los Angeles Benefit and Reception at the Beverly Hills home of Steve and Nicole Rifkind. The Foundation presented its national Joseph Papp Racial Harmony Awards to television and movie producer Bernie Brillstein, director Brett Ratner, and Geffen Records Senior Executive Jeff Harleston, for their commitment and dedication to the strengthening of Black/Jewish relations. Famed movie producer Robert Evans joined Foundation President Rabbi Marc Schneier in presenting the awards.

During the ceremony, Mr. Brillstein commented on his friendship with Foundation Secretary Russell Simmons, Mr. Ratner spoke movingly of his relationship as a child with music producer Nile Rogers, and Mr. Harleston talked about his close relationship with Universal Music President Zach Horowitz.

More than 150 people were in attendance, including Taye Diggs, Kenneth "Babyface" and Tracy Edmonds, Randy Jackson, Robert Evans, David Banner, Sofia Vergara, Nile Rogers, Bill Duke, Lalo Schifrin and former Foundation honoree Andre Harrell.

The Foundation also introduced the new director of its Washington, DC office, Genia Wright. The office will work to strengthen relations amongst the Black, Jewish, Hispanic and Asian congressional ethnic caucuses to facilitate dialogue and interaction.

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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