This cohort will bring together 12 to 18 participants, half identifying as Black and not Jewish, half identifying as Jewish, reflecting the diversity of Crown Heights. We’re especially looking for fellows who live in, work in, or have deep roots in Crown Heights or nearby neighborhoods of Prospect Heights, Bed-Stuy, or Prospect-Lefferts Gardens, and who are already rooted in their communities as educators, organizers, entrepreneurs, and engaged neighbors. We’re recruiting fellows with an eye toward building a strong cluster of folks in their 30s.

Ron Emile and Lonnie Firestone, Co-Directors of Exploring The Narrative, will facilitate the Fellowship.

The Rekindle program runs from October to December 2026, with Rekindle Intercultural Sharing and Exchange (RISE) Projects continuing through February 2027, and will include:

• Five three-hour cohort learning sessions that draw on historical and literary texts
• Three group service sessions with Repair’s partner organizations serving Crown Heights and the wider Brooklyn community

Participation is required for all 7 group sessions plus your RISE commitments.

Beyond the group sessions, Fellows take part in RISE projects. Each Fellow leads one service and learning program for their own community and attends two RISE programs led by fellow cohort members.