The Nehemiah Initiative

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A Partnership in Economic Opportunity

Action

The Nehemiah Initiative

Black leaders have identified housing discrimination as a key source of the wealth gap between Blacks and Whites in America.

Economic equality means reversing the impact of that discrimination. Over the past 40 years, gentrification has reduced the Black population in Seattle’s Central District from 85% to 15%. The Nehemiah Initiative is a collaboration between Black churches in the CD and the University of Washington School of Architecture. It aims to stabilize the Black population in the CD through the creation of affordable housing and opportunities for home ownership. Through its connection with BJBBC, The Nehemiah Initiative is seeking the support and partnership of the Jewish community in this venture.

Partners

Upcoming Events

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Participating in the Bible studies group allows me to be in community with neighbors I’ve never before known and to open my eyes and heart to their experiences of struggle, vulnerability, hope and strength. I’ve studied these stories all my life, but I’ve never encountered them with such relevance and presence.

Diane Douglas

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The Bible is such a central text for both Jews and for the African American Christian community that I have found that when we study it together it brings out the deepest passions, yearnings, dreams and concerns that have been embedded in our communities for hundreds – or even thousands – of years. Black Jewish Bible study solidifies our shared heritage, our shared struggles, and helps pave a way forward filled with hope and empathy for one another.

Rabbi Asher Lopatin

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My experience with the Seattle Black-Jewish Bible Study Group has profoundly expanded my existing efforts, providing an opportunity to built authentic relationships that spur candid conversations about the issues of our times when just such a dialogue is needed most.

Rabbi Daniel Weiner

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