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Restoring the Bond. Rebuilding the Future.

A Space for Courageous Truth and Action.

The bond between the African American and Jewish communities was forged in the fire of the Civil Rights movement. Over decades, that connection has frayed—but it has not broken. Co-founded by Pastor Chris Harris and Lee “Rosy” Rosenberg, The Unity Forum (TUF) is a catalytic platform dedicated to restoring proximity, fostering understanding, and fighting racism and antisemitism through intentional, shared action.

Why We Are Here

The silence of distance is no longer an option.

For generations, our communities stood shoulder-to-shoulder in the struggle for human dignity. Recent global events—specifically the aftermath of October 7th and the stark realizations of October 8th here at home—revealed the fragility of our current relationship.

We both know what it is to be “the other.” We believe that healing is not a sign of weakness; it is the foundation of enduring strength. The Unity Forum is where we re-meet, share difficult truths, and commit to a future where we are once again trusted allies.

Our Mission & Vision

To foster unity and understanding by promoting collaborative action, mutual respect, and shared cultural experiences.

We envision a Chicago—and a nation—where the African American and Jewish communities work collectively toward justice, equity, safety, and opportunity for all.

Our Pillars of Action

We don’t just talk about change; we build the infrastructure for it. Our work is rooted in three strategic pillars:

Intentional Proximity: We create structured environments to “re-meet” through immersive experiences and joint learning. Repetition builds relationships; relationships build resolve.

Economic Opportunity: We leverage our combined networks to boost career access, business growth, and cross-community investment that uplifts both groups.
A Replicable Model: We are building a scalable blueprint for fighting racism and antisemitism together—a model designed to be exported to cities across the country.

Work Underway

Since early summer, TUF has been laying the groundwork for a sustainable movement. Our current initiatives include:

Leadership Dinners: Curated gatherings for prominent leaders to shape our vision.
Stakeholder Interviews: Engaging national experts in cross-cultural coalition building.

Strategic Research: Studying historical alliances to inform contemporary trust-building.

Coming January 15th:

The launch of our Year 1 Business Plan, featuring our landscape scan, strategic priorities, and performance benchmarks.

The Time is Now

The threats facing our communities are profound and increasingly intertwined. Neither of us should face them alone. Rebuilding our alliance is essential for our protection, our economic mobility, and the defense of our shared dignity.