In addition to being a sociologist, writer, musician, and activist, Rabbi Sandra Lawson is the executive director of Carolina Jews for Justice, which she describes as “a grassroots network committed to creating a more just, fair, and compassionate North Carolina.” She’s also one of the first and only out queer Black female rabbis in the country.
“Dealing with the Jewish community’s unchecked racial bias has been one of the biggest challenges I’ve faced,” Lawson admits. “To overcome this, I found new paths to the things I wanted to do in the world as a rabbi.”
The Army veteran says she’s had a couple of especially proud moments in 2025 — releasing her first studio album, A Song for a New Year, and becoming the executive director of CJJ. “I’m focused on growing Carolina Jews for Justice,” says Lawson, adding that she wants to continue writing and hopes to release another album in 2026.
“Our liberation is bound together,” she says. “Living openly as a Black queer Jewish leader is both resistance and hope — a reminder that we create the future we deserve when we fight for one another.” @rabbisandra
