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.

Trained in policy research, advocacy, and grassroots activism through workshops, event series, and individualized mentorship in addition to gaining hands-on experience in environmental, racial, economic, gender, and peace justice. Worked closely with the Inequality.org team to create the latest inequality news analysis, condense complex policy issues into easily consumable pieces for technical and non-technical audiences, as well as promote the work of the site and its contributors to other writers, academics, and activists. Attended weekly meetings with the Inequality.org team as well as twice-weekly meetings on current international and domestic policy.

Trained in hands-on horticultural aspects of estate operation including plant installation and management to assure the attractiveness, functionality, and long-term sustainability of outdoor ornamental plants such as annuals, perennials, shrubs, trees, ground covers, ornamental grasses, and turf in addition to IPM, vegetable production, cut flower production, irrigation & fertilization, propagation, arboriculture, woodland management, greenhouse maintenance, turf management, stone wall construction, cheese-making, and beekeeping.

Trained in invasive plant removal techniques, first aid, chainsaw/brush-cutting use and hand-tool safety, pesticide safety, application equipment, and ArcGIS to map invasive species. Contracted out by The Nature Conservancy and tasked with servicing the eastern US (MD, VA, D.C, The Adirondacks) as part of an invasive plant management team and utilized a variety of techniques including chemical and mechanical methods to control invasive plants in natural areas, DOD Installations, National Parks, State Parks, Municipal Parks and private lands while conducting intensive habitat rehabilitation of native plant communities with a main emphasis in invasive plant management, landscape maintenance, and identification (Yellow Iris, Bush Honeysuckle, Japanese Knotweed, Common Reed Grass, Purple Loosestrife, Pale and Black Swallow-wort, etc.).

Learned growing techniques, hand-tool methodology, pest management, organic farming practices, harvesting and storage, crop care, rain water harvesting, composting, etc.