II. John R. Lewis Social Justice Fellowship Program

John R. Lewis Social Justice Fellowship Program

The NREI John R. Lewis Social Justice Policy Fellowship is designed to give young, Black professionals the opportunity to work in Congress and with the Foundation to address social justice and racial equity issues that affect the Black community. Distinguished by two six-month rotations, Social Justice Fellows are placed in the U.S. Congress with Congressional Black Caucus members and the CBCF’s Center for Policy Analysis and Research (CPAR) for a total of 12 months. Fellows produce social justice policy research and analysis on topics that include, but not limited to, criminal justice reform, education, community/ economic development, health equity, and civil rights. While working in Congressional Black Caucus member offices, Fellows gain invaluable legislative experience as they engage in the development of public policy initiatives, attend briefings, conduct research, write speeches, and develop rapport with key leaders all in the areas of social justice. In the Center for Policy Analysis and Research, Fellows work under the NREI Director and in cooperation with other stakeholders to conduct policy analysis, research, and data collection. Fellows during their term also organize social justice forums and brain trusts, serve as an expert in their field, and produce issue briefs, fact sheets and other publications related to social justice. 2020-2021 Fellowship Cycle:

103 Fellowship applications received

September 2020 Cohort

48 Fellowship applications received 27 Fellowship applications received 28 Fellowship applications received

(3 available slots)

June 2021 Cohort

(4 available slots)

September 2021 Cohort

(3 available slots)

10 Fellowships awarded 10% Applications awarded

September 2020-2021 Fellows

Sianay Chase Clifford Congressional Placement: Rep. Ayanna Pressley Interests: Racial Wealth Disparities, Income Support & Welfare Policy, Black Maternal Health, Criminal Justice Reform Sponsor: Mary Kay

Dr. Dennis Johnson Congressional Placement: Rep. Marcia Fudge [until March 2021], Rep. Bonnie Watson Coleman Interests: Racial Wealth Disparities, Income Support & Welfare Policy, Black Maternal Health, Criminal Justice Reform Interests: Education, Environment, Criminal Justice Sponsor: Casey Family Programs

Jared Lewis Congressional Placement: Rep. Barbara Lee Interests: Technology, Economic Development, Equity Sponsor: Kapor Center for Social Impact

June 2020-2021 Fellows

Eliazar Chacha* Congressional Placement: Rep. Kweisi Mfume Interests: Criminal Justice Reform, Education, Voting Rights Sponsor: DLA Piper/ Ford

Haleigh Hoskins Congressional Placement: Rep. Hakeem Jeffries Interests: Criminal Justice Reform, Economic Development, Racial Equity Sponsor: PNC (formerly BBVA)

Airenakhue Omoragbon Congressional Placement: Rep. Robin Kelly Interests: Gender-Based Violence, Racial Economic Disparity, Reproductive Justice, Trauma-Informed Care Sponsor: Amgen

Jasmine Payne Congressional Placement: Rep. Nikema Williams Interests: Economic Empowerment, Higher Education, Voting Rights Sponsor: 3M

* Fellow has exited the Program

September 2021-2022 Fellows

Shelby Birch Congressional Placement: Rep. Jahana Hayes Interests: Education and Economic Opportunity Sponsor: Casey Family Programs

Cameryn Blackmore Congressional Placement: Rep. Marilyn Strickland Interests: Criminal Justice and Education Sponsor: Boston Scientific

Javon Knight Congressional Placement: Rep. Emanuel Cleaver, II Interests: Education and Economic Opportunity Sponsor: Amazon

2021 NREI Fellows’ Testimonials

Jasmine Payne - 2021 NREI Fellow, Rep. Nikema Williams “It has been great! I have no complaints and love team CBCF. I have a moment a few times a month where I just reflect on what this opportunity means and how rare it is that people get to experience this.”

Haleigh Hoskins - 2021 NREI Fellow, Rep. Hakeem Jefferies "I am bonding with the staff by attending networking events such as the Congressional Baseball game.”

2021 NREI Fellows Testimonials

"The Fellowship experience has been amazing so far. Everything from engaging with past alumni and guest speakers through the Foundation to working on real legislation in the office has been great."

- Javon Knight 2021 NREI Fellow, Rep. Emanuel Cleaver, II

"I am doing fulfilling work in my member office. I realize that I am in the hands of good supervisors who genuinely want me to succeed"

- Airenakhue Omoragbon 2021 NREI Fellow, Rep. Robin Kelly