John R. Lewis National Racial Equity Initiative Social Justice Fellow / House Agriculture Committee
In cooperation with the Congressional Black Caucus Foundation and other stakeholders, fellows conduct non-partisan policy analysis research, and data collection on behalf of the Center for Policy Analysis and Research (CPAR) in the form of fact sheets, social justice forums, policy briefs, and other publications. N.R.E.I topics including, but not limited to: voter empowerment, economic development, health equity, education, and criminal justice. Fellows attend briefings, organize events, and travel to other communities throughout the fellowship to engage in public policy initiatives and develop rapport with key social justice leaders. Events include but are not limited to: Policy for the People, the Faith & Politics Pilgrimage in Alabama, Sojourner Truth Legacy Project, N.R.E.I Community Conversation in Atlanta, and the Annual Legislative Conference. Trained in hands-on policy solutions through placement on Capitol Hill/the House Committee on Agriculture under Congressman David Scott (D-GA-13), Ranking Member. Areas of interest included: Credit/Heirs Property, Biotechnology/Pesticides, Social Justice/BIPOC farmers, Horticulture, and Urban farming/local food. Recommended strategies and tactics on Congressional bills and positions in order to produce equitable access, opportunities, treatment, and outcomes for African Americans. Completed a capstone project about and presented on a recent agriculture bill titled “the Justice for Black Farmers Act” (S.96, H.R.1167) as well as how the bill stands up to the framework of other reparations models.