Get To Know Us

HBCJews is building space where none existed — not because we didn’t exist, but because we weren't accounted for.

The history of Black and Jewish Americans has largely been told as two separate groups coming together under shared oppression, often excluding the existence of Black Jews in the process. From campus life to cultural legacy, we're building the first national community dedicated to Black Jews at HBCUs and redefining what Jewish identity looks like in predominantly Black spaces — not as a bridge between two worlds, but as a world of our making. We are rewriting the Black–Jewish narrative from the inside out, centering those whose identities are at the intersection and dismantling the binary that asks us to choose or translate instead of thrive.

Through original research, national archiving, and on-campus support, we are creating the first-ever record of Black Jewish life at HBCUs — rooted in truth, integrity, and care for the students we serve. From student surveys to alumni oral histories and archival research, we are documenting a presence that’s always been here, and protecting the sacred connections between identity, community, and our cherished historic campuses.

Our research is well underway. The first EVER survey for Jewish identity on HBCU campuses is launching Fall 2025, tell everyone you know!

Our Commitment

Who We Are

HBCJews is the brain and heartchild of Howard University alum Rebecca Franklin, born out of her experience as HU's Black Jew. This work is deeply personal, but this project isn't hers alone - it is a joy and a privilege to carry this vision forward in community with others sharing the path.

Our Impact

Our work is rooted in Jewish identity, but it is grounded in a broader responsibility: to contribute to the preservation, visibility and continued protection of HBCU communities as a whole; regardless of Jewish representation on campus.

We continue to learn from and uplift research done across HBCU campuses that refects the full range of student life from the experiences of LGBTQIA+ students to our Muslim student counterparts and beyond. By sharing our research, networks, and resources, HBCJ supports and encourages this work wherever possible.

In the spirit of transparency and collaboration, we are learning as we go and sharing as we grow; with the goal of contributing to a strong future for all HBCU community members.