Minority Within Despite the stance of mainstream black and Jewish leaders, pockets from both communities are forging an alliance for school vouchers. PHOTO BY K RI STA HU SA JULIE WIENER STAFF WRITER Studio in Harvard Row M all keNut iq =The SPOT • Vertical Blinds • Pleated Shades • Levolor Blinds • Wood Blinds Free Professional Measure at No Obligation Free in Home Design Consulting verting public funds for use in pri- vate and parochial schools. These organizations cite concerns about separation of church and state as well as fears that school vouchers would accelerate the decline of in- ner-city schools by siphoning off scarce resources. But going against mainstream leaders doesn't faze Rev. Edwards and Rabbi Freedman, who claim acceptance of vouchers is a mi- nority view that is gaining a strong foothold among both blacks and Jews. In fact, the two religious lead- ers — along with like-minded blacks and Jews throughout the country — see the voucher cause as a social justice issue and a way to rekindle relations between the once-close communities. "I think this is one of the issues that can bring our communities together," said Rev. Edwards. 'We must fight for the well-being of children. Rabbi Freedman has that attitude same as I do, so we connected with one another. We believe that out of this will come other opportunities for our com- munities to work together. "He's got passion for this. I've got passion for this. And we think we'll win." So far, their relationship in- MINORITY page 18 If Rabbi and Mrs. Moses ben Maimon lived in Metro Detroit they would send their children to religious school at.... TEMPLE KOL AMI 50%-70% OFF ALL NAME BRANDS 21728 W. Eleven Mile Rd. Harvard Row Mall Southfield, Ml 48076 R abbi E.B. "Bunny" Freed- man and Rev. Eddie Ed- wards come from different worlds. Rabbi Freedman, an Orthodox Jew, coordinates Jewish services at Hospice of Southeastern Michi- gan in Southfield. Rev. Edwards, African-Amer- ican and Baptist, is the founder and president of Joy of Jesus, a social service agency in a low-in- come black community on De- troit's east side. Designated as a "point of light" by the Bush Ad- ministration, Joy of Jesus' mot- to is "a hand up, not a hand out." Despite their different back- grounds, Rabbi Freedman and Rev. Edwards share a crusade for school vouchers, which they be- lieve will improve educational op- portunities for low-income youth. Their shared view makes each a minority within a minority: mainstream organizations rep- resenting the Jewish and black communities have recently reaf- firmed their opposition to school vouchers. The Jewish Community Coun- cil of Metropolitan Detroit, the National Association for the Ad- vancement of Rabbi E.B. Freedman Colored People and Rev. Eddie and Detroit Edwards: Shared Urban League passion for vouchers all oppose di- Hours: Mon.-Sat. 10-5 352-8622 L New Rochester Hills 651 - 5009 Ask about our • a close-knit family • warmth, support for members and the community • leadership • the best religious school • wonderful services Rabbi Norman T. Roman Founding Rabbi Emeritus Ernst J. Conrad Elissa Berg, Director of Education 5085 Walnut Lake Road, West Bloomfield (248) 661-0040 PREVENTIVE MAINTENANCE PROGRAM • 24 Hour Emergency Service • Quality Installation • 30 Vehicles • Radio Dispatch Join us on August 15, 1997 for family services at 7:30 p.m. And join us on August 25, 1997 for an open house 7:00-9:00 p.m.