Racism remains a dehumanising structure in societies across the globe, undermining the possibilities for a more just, equitable and compassionate world. Whilst explicit expressions of racism such as the Adam Catzavelos and Vicky Momberg incidents are overt acts of a system of denigration and oppression, anti-Black racism relates to, intersects with, other forms of domination based on gender, class and other identity points and is embedded in global institutions, narratives, structures and systems.
Launched in 2017, and anchored at Columbia University in the City of New York and at the Nelson Mandela Foundation, the Atlantic Fellows for Racial Equity (AFRE) fellowship programme supports accomplished leaders from diverse backgrounds to uncover and address the root causes of racial inequality and engage diverse communities in strategic, long-term collaborations for structural change. The mission is to build an enduring transnational network of leaders across issues, approaches and geographies to challenge anti-Black racism.
Past and current fellows include: Rashad Robinson (President of Colour of Change- US) Neo Muyanga (Composer-in-Residence, Johannesburg International Mozart Festival & the National Arts Festival of South Africa), Alicia Garza (Strategy & Partnerships Director, National Domestic Workers’ Alliance & Co-Founder of Black Lives Matter-US), Constance Mogale (National Coordinator Rural Democracy Trust-SA) and Rukia Lumumba (Founder, People’s Advocacy Institute-US).
The twelve-month non-residential programme offers the opportunity for cross-cultural exchange and learning, and provides customised professional development including coaching, mentoring, and media relations, as well as resources for developing innovative projects. Fellows are awarded $10 000 over the course of the programme and become a part of and have access to the larger global network of Atlantic Fellows.
The call for applications to the 2020 cohort is now open.Applications close at 11:59 pm SAST/4:59 pm EST on 27 January 2020.
For media queries:
Patronella Nqaba
AFRE Associate Director, South Africa
patronellan@nelsonmandela.org
066 472 7335
Kneo Mokgopa
Nelson Mandela Foundation Communications and Advocacy Manager
kneom@nelsonmandela.org
076 420 1910