List of African-American Jews facts for kids

African-American Jews are people who are both of African-American heritage and Jewish faith or ancestry. This group includes many talented individuals who have made important contributions in different areas like entertainment, sports, politics, and religion. Their stories show the rich mix of cultures and backgrounds that make up the Jewish community and the United States.

Famous African-American Jewish People

Many well-known people are African-American and Jewish. Here are some examples of individuals who have achieved great things in their fields.

Entertainers and Artists

Some of the most recognizable African-American Jews are actors, musicians, and comedians.

Actors and Comedians

• Sammy Davis, Jr. (1925–1990) was a legendary entertainer. He was famous for his singing, dancing, and acting. He was part of the "Rat Pack" and performed on stage, in movies, and on TV.
• Lisa Bonet (born 1967) is an actress known for her roles in TV shows like The Cosby Show and A Different World.
• Maya Rudolph (born 1972) is a popular actress and comedian. She was a cast member on Saturday Night Live and has starred in many movies.
• Daveed Diggs (born 1982) is an actor, rapper, and singer. He won a Tony Award for his role in the Broadway musical Hamilton.
• Tiffany Haddish (born 1979) is a very funny actress and comedian. She is known for her stand-up comedy and roles in movies like Girls Trip.
• Zoë Kravitz (born 1988) is an actress, singer, and model. She has appeared in many films and TV series.
• Doja Cat (born 1995) is a successful rapper, singer, and songwriter. She is known for her creative music and unique style.
• Drake (born 1986) is a famous rapper, singer, and actor from Canada and the United States. He is one of the best-selling music artists in the world.

Musicians and Singers

• Lenny Kravitz (born 1964) is a rock musician, singer, and songwriter. He is known for his unique blend of rock, soul, and funk music.
• Ben Harper (born 1967) is a musician known for playing various instruments and blending different music styles like blues, folk, and rock.
• Nissim Black (born 1986) is a rapper and producer from the United States and Israel. He is known for his inspiring hip-hop music.

Athletes

Many African-American Jews have also excelled in sports.

• Amar'e Stoudemire (born 1982) is a well-known basketball player who played for several teams in the NBA. He also played professionally in Israel.
• Jordan Farmar (born 1986) is another basketball player who played in the NBA and later in other leagues around the world.
• David Blu (born 1980) is an American-Israeli basketball player who had a successful career, mostly playing in Israel.
• Andre Tippett (born 1959) is a former American football player who was a star linebacker for the New England Patriots.

Writers and Thinkers

This group also includes authors, scholars, and activists who have shared important ideas.

• James McBride (born 1957) is a talented writer and musician. He won a National Book Award for his novel The Good Lord Bird.
• Walter Mosley (born 1952) is a famous novelist known for his mystery books, especially those featuring the character Easy Rawlins.
• Rebecca Walker (born 1969) is a feminist writer and activist. She writes about important social issues.
• Lewis Gordon (born 1962) is a philosopher and scholar who writes about African-American philosophy and other deep topics.

Religious and Community Leaders

Some African-American Jews are leaders in their religious communities.

• Capers C. Funnye Jr. (born 1952) is a respected Rabbi, a Jewish religious leader.
• Sandra Lawson (born 1969) is also a Rabbi, known for her unique approach to Jewish teaching and community building.
• Alysa Stanton is a Rabbi who made history as the first African-American woman to be ordained as a Rabbi.

Other Notable Individuals

• Alicia Garza (born 1981) is an activist and a co-founder of the Black Lives Matter movement, which works for justice and equality.
• Lacey Schwartz Delgado (born 1977) is a filmmaker who has made documentaries about identity and family.
• Mazi Melesa Pilip is an Ethiopian-born American politician.

See also

• Jews of Color