AJC Helps Deliver Music and Science to New Orleans Students
October 4, 2006 ? New York ? The American Jewish Committee is co-sponsoring an evening of jazz on October 12 to help raise funds for Xavier University?s Star Initiative and Junior School of Music, which ensures New Orleans high school students receive important training in sciences and music. ?Our partnership with Xavier University to help local youth is integral to our efforts to build strong relationships with key communities in the Gulf Coast,? said Rebecca Neuwirth, AJC?s director of special projects. The event, co-hosted by The Office of Black Ministry (Archdiocese of New York) and the Jewish Community Center in Manhattan, will also launch New Orleans Crescendo, an AJC-produced original jazz recording by the Xavier University Jazz Ensemble. The CD will be distributed by AJC and churches across the U.S. ?It is a pleasure for us to join in collaboration with AJC to help our friends at Xavier University,? said Brother Tyrone A. Davis, executive director of the Office of Black Ministry (Archdiocese of New York). AJC?sHurricane Katrina Relief Fund made a major contribution last year to Xavier University, the only historically black and Catholic university in the U.S. AJC raised more than $1.2 million to help rebuild churches and synagogues throughout the Gulf Coast and provide assistance to Dillard and Xavier universities. In addition, an AJC ACCESS delegation visited New Orleans in February 2006, participating in community service and clean-up projects, and dialoguing with Xavier University?s president, faculty and students. AJC?s ACCESS initiative is made up of people in their 20?s and 30?s participating in a national program that explores critical issues facing the Jewish community today.
Ari M. Gordon Program Associate, Intergroup Affairs The American Jewish Committee 165 E56th St. New York, NY 10022 (212) 751-4000 x266