Syracuse University Press Releases Black Jewish Anthology
The new collection explores diverse perspectives from 14 Black Jewish contributors.
Updated on Oct. 16, 2026 in Judaism
Live Poll
Do you believe there is enough published literature highlighting the diverse experiences of minority ethnic groups?
Syracuse University Press has published the anthology Black, Jewish, and Beautiful, a collection featuring essays and interviews from 14 Black Jewish contributors. The volume highlights experiences from across the United States, Ethiopia, Cameroon, and Uganda.
Why it matters
The editors aimed to curate a definitive collection of original works by and about Black Jews to foster deeper understanding within Jewish communities. The project excludes individuals affiliated with the Hebrew Israelite spiritual movement.
The anthology is organized into four distinct thematic sections and features 14 contributors. According to Pew Research Center data, 2 percent of the US Jewish population identifies as Black or as both White and Black.
The players
Syracuse University Press
This academic publisher is a department of Syracuse University that focuses on scholarly works and regional books.
Renée Wilson
She is a contributor to the anthology who discovered her Ashkenazi ancestry through DNA testing.
Pew Research Center
This is a nonpartisan American think tank that provides information on social issues, public opinion, and demographic trends.
Lewis Gordon
He is a philosopher and academic who participated in a pre-launch event for the anthology.
Shoshana Akua Brown
She is a contributor to the collection who grew up in New York City during the 1990s.
The details
The book features four sections: Black and Jewish Roots, the Worlds of Black Jewry, Articulating the Black Jewish Self, and Building Black Jewish Futures. Two contributors included in the anthology discovered their Ashkenazi ancestry through adult genetic testing, including Renée Wilson, who learned of her heritage via a DNA test.
Timeline
1990s: Shoshana Akua Brown attended school in New York City.
2018: The book project began following a concert performance.
2018: Contributor Renée Wilson took a DNA test.
March 2026: Lewis Gordon spoke at a pre-launch event.
October 15, 2026: The anthology was officially published.
Culture Shift
The publication of this anthology aligns with the Pew Research Center's data regarding the increasing racial and ethnic diversity within the American Jewish population. This project moves beyond mere demographic statistics to provide a nuanced, multi-faceted look at identity in contemporary society.
Readers interested in the collection can expect it to be available for discussion in various Jewish community organizations and reading groups. Those exploring their own heritage may find the contributors' experiences with genetic testing particularly relevant to their personal family research.
The takeaway
The anthology offers a comprehensive look at the intersection of Black and Jewish identities through personal narrative. It serves as a resource for those seeking to understand the diverse backgrounds that make up the modern Jewish community.
Further reading
For more background on the evolving landscape of faith, read about Judaism.
Source note: This article includes information reported by The Christian Century.
Live Poll
Do you believe there is enough published literature highlighting the diverse experiences of minority ethnic groups?
