The Texas Black Action Fund (TBAF), an entity dedicated to investing in Black-led Texas-based organizations involved in civic engagement across the state, announced its paid fellowship program. The program is a $300,000 investment by TBAF designed to train and empower a pipeline of Black leaders in the Lone Star State.
The program kicks off this fall.
“We believe it is important to invest in Texas this election cycle and beyond and this fellowship is focused on creating a foundation of Black leaders in our state,” said Resha Thomas, TBAF’s program director.
This fellowship will provide opportunities for rising speakers and Black leaders across Texas to build a network and explore new ideas, and be trained in the best practices of organizing, coalition building and issue advocacy. TBAF Fellowship Program seeks to invest in Black communities by identifying, educating, and partnering with Black leaders on ways to advocate for solutions that will support Black civic engagement in Texas.
“Investing in Black-led grassroots organizations is crucial,” said State Representative Ron Reynolds, chairman of the Texas Legislative Black Caucus. “These are the folks who understand our communities’ unique challenges and strengths and who are on the ground every day making change happen. By supporting them, we’re fueling a movement that uplifts and amplifies Black voices and leadership.
A fellow’s experience will allow them to harness strategies and techniques for work specific to Texas-based state and local policy solutions in order to help change the narrative and policy landscape on Black leadership in Texas.
Program goals include:
- Educating and training current Black civic leaders to support local organizing around local organizing, legislative efforts, and non-partisan civic education.
- Engaging and partnering with leaders from Black communities in skills-building training and education of the Black electorate.
- Producing updated advanced curriculum to support educating advocates and stakeholders in each of the TBAF’s hub areas on policy implementation ahead of the Texas Legislative Session in 2025.
All Fellows will receive a $1,000 stipend, as well as travel to and from any TBAF speaking engagements.
“Texas is home to more Black people than any other state,” said Harris County Attorney Christian Menefee. “Supporting and strengthening Black-led organizations is critical to engaging Black voters. This program is a significant and much-needed step in that direction—an investment in capacity building and Black political infrastructure in Texas.
“We deserve an equitable Texas, with leaders and organizations who reflect the people they serve. This initiative is about achieving that goal through fostering sustainable growth and development within Black communities.”
