32 | JANUARY 5 • 2023
faces&places
Blacks and Jews have long had an
important relationship throughout
history — from the civil rights
movement to present day.
It’s that solidarity that makes
the Coalition for Black and Jewish
Unity’s holiday party all that more
special.
Blacks and Jews united to cele-
brate Christmas and Chanukah at
the Pistons Performance Center.
Songs were sung and dancing was
abundant as the family-friendly
atmosphere glistened with holiday
cheer.
Erika Bocknek’s family was in
attendance. She brought many
friends to the event and said her
time there was wonderful.
“My family loved having a chance
to celebrate with our friends —
dancing the hora together was a
wonderful highlight,
” Bocknek said.
“I’m so glad we had the children
there, too, to be a part of our shared
joy.
”
A delicious spread of latkes,
salads, sandwiches, soups and
of course — sufganiyot — were
enjoyed by attendees.
The Coalition works tirelessly —
now more than ever — to sustain
the bond between the Black and
Jewish communities. The celebra-
tion symbolized the relationships
fostered before, and well past the
holiday season.
Sam Dubin is JCRC/AJC assistant director/
director of media relations.
Coalition for
Black and
Jewish Unity
Hosts Annual
Holiday
Celebration
SAM DUBIN SPECIAL TO THE JEWISH NEWS
PHOTOS COURTESY OF JCRC/AJC
Vonetta Sanders,
Tia Marie Sanders,
Taylor Banks, Camryn
Banks, Nate Sanders,
Erika Bocknek, Lielle
Bocknek, Aliza Plotkin
The holiday party
was held at the
Pistons Performance
Center.
JCRC/AJC president Phil
Neuman and JCRC/AJC
Secretary Carol Ogusky light
the Chanukah candles.