Mitchell Kaufman

Born to first generation parents of Eastern European Jewish parents, Mitchell spent his formative years in Newark, N.J. During these years, Newark was going through a sociological succession, whereby, African-Americans from the South were replacing the mostly Jewish and Italian immigrants from a generation or two before. As Mitchell turned ten, his parents realized their American dream of owning their own house in the suburbs. But even at this young age, Mitchell understood, at some level, what white flight was. This left an indelible image on him. His lifelong struggle for the rights of the oppressed and discriminated against is best understood in this context.

In high school, Mitchell excelled in academics and political/philosophical debate. He was president of the National Honor Society, starred in the senior play, played football and wrestled.

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