Introducing Our 2020 Fellows
Since 2017, AFRE has been a space where leaders on the frontlines of the struggle for racial equity in South Africa and the United States engage in exploration, imagination, and experimentation to build long-term solutions for impactful change.
Today – in the wake of the unfolding health and economic crises exacerbated by COVID-19, and the uprisings against the systemic failure to see, value and protect Black lives – the work to support community leaders in driving change is more urgent than ever.
We’re excited to announce the 2020 class of Atlantic Fellows - 20 dynamic leaders from all walks of life who bring a deep commitment to the struggle for racial equity. These individuals have a track record of success in using their art, scholarship, activism and other talents to advocate for their communities and to help build a world where the liberation of Black people leads to the liberation of all people.
“The COVID-19 pandemic lays bare the unconscionable injustices against Black people and other communities of colour, from racial inequality to violence and exclusion,” said Kavitha Mediratta, Ph.D., executive director of the Atlantic Fellows for Racial Equity. “At a time of such extraordinary challenge, these courageous leaders are showing us new possibilities for how to eliminate anti-Black racism in the service of equity and justice. We’re proud to support them to build the strategies and solutions our countries need.”
As Atlantic Fellows for Racial Equity, these 20 individuals are joining an enduring network of leaders working across issues, approaches and geographies to challenge anti-Black racism and build the policies, institutions and narratives needed for a more equitable future.
Meet the 2020 class of Atlantic Fellows!
Co-Founder, The Hustlers Guild and Senior Director of Programs, Partnerships & Strategy, Honored
Former Commissioner, South African Competition Commission
Founder & Senior Pastor, Renewal Worship Center, and Founder & CEO, Green the Church
Writer, Activist, and Performing Artist
Senior Managing Director, Juvenile Law Center
Legal Policy Advisor, Independent Schools of Southern Africa
Minister, Activist and Scholar
Leader and Organiser, BlackSeed
Executive Director, My Vote Counts
Senior Researcher, Mapungubwe Institute for Strategic Reflection (MISTRA)
Founder and President, United Domestic Workers of South Africa (UDWOSA)
Public Interest Lawyer, Western Cape Department of Economic Development
Chief Advancement Officer, Tides Advocacy
Senior Lecturer, University of the Witwatersrand
Former General Secretary, Social Justice Coalition
Advocacy Director, New York State Alliance for Quality Education
Accountant, Academic, Activist and Independent Analyst
Co-Founder, Sunshine Cinema
Principal, Decolonizing Wealth Project