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Lommel conceptualized The Entertainment Industry Passover Labor Seder which will take place in Los Angeles April 20, 2006

     Los Angeles, CA  —  How can understanding the Passover Celebration of Liberation in the Jewish tradition, inspires us to honor the diverse cultural  traditions of  our global community?  Ask Cookie Lommel, she is the Executive Director of the Western Region for the Jewish Labor Committee, and also the first African American to lead such a group.  Lommel’s specialty is cultural understanding; she has been described as “a one woman bridge.” by The Los Angeles Times.

     The Jewish Labor Committee is an independent secular organization that helps the Jewish community and the trade union movement work together on important issues of shared interest and concern.  Lommel initiated the Entertainment Industry Labor Seder to include Labor leaders and rank and file members of entertainment industry unions and guilds. Participating in this event are American Federation of Television and Radio Artists, The Cinematographers Guild, Writers Guild of America West; CWA-NABET; IATSE and others

     "African-American women are at the nexus of multiple forms of oppression, which puts us in the unique position of being able to engage diverse communities, in understanding our global society, Pamela Brooks, Assistant Professor of African American Studies at Oberlin College in Oberlin, OH, explained. "These natural abilities stem from who we are."

     Before Lommel's work with the Jewish Labor Committee, she was the founder of "Operation Unity," (www.operationunity.org), a non-profit organization based in Los Angeles - its mission to promote cultural understanding in urban youth through international and national programs. "Operation Unity" uses the model of the successful Israeli Kibbutz system as a vehicle to change the lives of young people.  Youth Capturing Cultural Diversity is the traveling exhibit that features photographs taken by youth who participated in the kibbutz program and essays that highlight their experiences in Israel.

     The exhibit has traveled from California and is now going to cities throughout Ohio.  The sponsors are The Samuel H. and Maria Miller Foundation and Forest City Enterprises, Inc.

     "This exhibit tells a great cultural diversity story. It paints a visual and verbal picture of how youth can help bridge racial gaps and work together, promoting harmony through diversity," explains Lommel.

     Lommel is also the author of several books, most recently a biography of Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger, published by Random House.  Her other biographical titles include Madame C.J. Walker, Johnnie Cochran and Arthur Miller. She has earned a number of awards for her outreach efforts and has worked in various media capacities as a journalist and editor.

More information: www.operationunity.org