Teen Jews of Color Fellowship Empowers Young Leaders

July 11, 2024Kelly Whitehead

In our post-October 7th world, Jews of Color are processing the staggering rise in antisemitic incidents on top of systemic racism. It is imperative that our youth find solace in the knowledge that they are not alone - rather, they are part of a vibrant, supportive community. With DEI under attack, it is crucial that teen Jews of Color have a space through which they can be celebrated for who they are.

NFTY's Teen Jews of Color Fellowship is a nine-month program that offers leadership development, value building, and deep communal connection by and for Jews of Color. All of these are especially crucial in these challenging times.

Perhaps the greatest value of the Jewish Teens of Color Fellowship lies in its creation of affinity spaces that resonate deeply with the experiences of Jewish Teens of Color. Within these sanctuaries of understanding and belonging, fellows are encouraged to explore their personal narratives, articulate the intersections of their identities, and forge solidarity with peers who share similar journeys. Here, they discover the power of their voices and richness of their stories, weaving together a tapestry that celebrates diversity and embraces the mosaic of Jewish life.

The Teen Jews of Color Fellowship is about nurturing the next generation of adult Jewish Leaders of Color. It is a space where high school juniors and seniors embark on a journey that combines monthly virtual meetings and a retreat held in October during the NFTY Collab.

Teen Jews of Color Fellows learn about principles of community building and organizing, discovering ways that they can create positive change within their communities. Participants engage with issues close to their hearts through project-based learning as they cultivate skills which empower them to be catalysts for social justice and inclusivity.

One fellow from the 2023-2024 cohort created a virtual literary magazine that highlighted writings by Jewish teens with marginalized identities reflecting on the theme of holiness; another fellow educated students at their high school about the diversity of Jewish culture and heritage; and another fellow sold handmade jewelry to benefit her local Jewish community.

Ilana Kaufman, CEO of the Jews of Color Initiative, recently wrote in eJewish Philanthropy:

"Our power comes from our diversity, our capacity for tenderness and care when faced with vulnerabilities, and our commitment to difficult community work. When we reinforce our capacity for collaboration and deepen the most meaningful connections, we create the most favorable conditions for our collective success and safety."

As we prepare for the launch of the second year of this fellowship, I see it as a sacred duty to empower our young people; encourage them to embrace their full identities with pride; and enable them to shape a future where every voice is heard, where justice and compassion guide our collective path. The Teen Jews of Color Fellowship is a journey that equips our young leaders with the tools to thrive and claim ownership of their communities and spaces.

Empower Young Leaders in Your Community

Nominate a rising high school junior or senior for the second cohort of the Teen Jews of Color Fellowship, which will run from September 2024 through May 2025. Help us build a future where diversity is cherished, inclusivity is paramount, belonging is prioritized, and the light of understanding illuminates our shared path.

The Teen Jews of Color Fellowship is generously sponsored by the Shards of Light Foundation. 

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