Entries open for AFRE Fellowship Programme

The effects of anti-Black racism have created a violent and fragmented world with deeply entrenched patterns of domination. In response, the struggle for racial justice often leaves leaders burnt out, isolated, and, due to the tyranny of the urgent, without the time and space to engage their imaginations beyond problem-solving.

Whether candidates prefer to call themselves leaders or not, the impact of their work must be evident, as its their commitment to building a world beyond anti-Black racism. During this journey, Fellows will have opportunities to build relationships with each other, deliberate on the histories and futures of race across the world, reflect deeply on their leadership and experiment with new ideas.

Funding Information

• Fellows may access up to $10,000 USD to support their leadership development and incidental costs of attending in-person programming.

Costs Covered

• AFRE supports Fellows’ participation and leadership development through:
  • Round-trip travel, accommodation, food, and ground transportation costs for all in-person convenings.
  • Family care funding for Fellows supporting children, dependents, and family members.
  • Up to six and half hours of leadership coaching sessions.

Eligibility Criteria

• All applicants must meet the minimum requirements listed below:
  • Have a minimum of 5 years of professional experience in racial equity or related field.
  • Can commit to fully participating in all programming sessions including a 2-week residency in South Africa and weeklong in-person convening (Location TBD).
  • Will be living in Africa, the Americas, the Caribbean, Europe, or the SWANA region during virtual programming (September 2025, October 2025, and February 2026).
  • Will not be participating in another Fellowship programme during the programming dates.
  • Highly proficient in spoken and written English.
  • Kindly note that there are no academic qualifications required.
• Individuals who:
  • Have a track record of improving the quality of Black life in their local or regional contexts.
  • Are curious and want to learn, grow, and challenge themselves.
  • Are eager to develop or deepen a global dimension to their racial equity work.
  • Are eager to immerse themselves in the vastness of planetary Blackness and global perspectives.

Applicant Characteristics

• Ideal candidates will demonstrate and embody a range of the characteristics listed below:
  • Open: Are eager to learn and know more about others and the world.
  • Aware: Are conscious of themselves and awake to the world around them.
  • Intentional: Are thoughtful and mindful in their actions.
  • Aspiring: Can see possibilities beyond their current reality.
  • Caring: Can relate to and care about others’ experiences.
  • Relational: Are committed to the well-being and health of others.
  • Bold: Has demonstrated a willingness to take risks.
  • Persistent: Has persevered through challenges.

For more information, visit AFRE.