Russell Simmons, MC Serch, Black Ice, and C. Virginia Fields Join Rabbi Marc Schneier in Launching SHARED DREAMS Curriculum Guide Program In New York

On January 12, 2001 The Foundation For Ethnic Understanding launched the SHARED DREAMS curriculum guide program at Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. High School in Manhattan. Over 800 students including Solomon Schechter Jewish High School students participated. After students shared stories of commonalities and differences, they joined for a kosher lunch.

Speaker at the assembly included Rabbi Marc Schneier, Russell Simmons, CEO of Def Jam Records, Lyor Cohen, President of the Island/Def Jam Music Group, Manhattan Borough President C. Virginia Fields and hip hop stars, MC Serch and Black Ice, who performed a free style rap about combating intolerance. Russell Simmons commented on his 20 years of working with Jewish partners in promoting hip-hop culture. "Jews were there when mainstream white Americans were not. I read in the press there is friction between Blacks and Jews -- the fact is, we are together as one in the struggle for human rights.

This event was carried live on New York One News and was the subject of a feature in the New York Times on Martin Luther King day. To read the New York Times feature please click here.

Copyright © 2003 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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