Announcing the Troublemakers for Liberation Fellowship
It’s a joy to announce the 2021 Troublemakers for Liberation fellows!
The Gathering for Justice put out the call for this generation’s Ella Bakers, Bayard Rustins, and John Lewises, to support our work in creating leaderful movements. After reviewing hundreds of highly qualified applicants, we selected a diverse and innovative group of young leaders for our inaugural 16-member cohort.
From the East Coast to West Coast, to the midwest and cities throughout the deep South, these fellows are a reflection of The Gathering for Justice’s roots. We believe each of these young people are truly committed to advancing the movement for racial justice and our collective liberation.
2021 Troublemakers for Liberation fellows:
- Yasmin Abdelsalam, Brooklyn, NY
- Gabrielle Battle, Oakland, CA
- Taleavia Cole, Milwaukee, WI
- Trenton DeVore, Albuquerque, NM
- Lucia Flores, Bronx, NY
- Myles Hollingsworth, Long Island, NY
- Terri Hughes, Odgen, UT
- Vikramaditya (Vik) Joshi, New York, NY
- Xavier Kent, Baton Rouge, LA
- Michelle Monterrosa, San Francisco, CA
- Ashley Monterrosa, San Francisco, CA
- Emily Nichols, Port Allen, LA
- Michelle Olivas, Stockton, CA
- Ama Russell, Detroit, MI
- Tania Salceda, Oxnard, CA
- Karla Sterrett, Greenwich, CT
Bayard Rustin reminded us that we need “angelic troublemakers in every community.” John Lewis urged us to get in “good trouble, necessary trouble”, and Ella Baker, amongst many who carry the legacy of the civil rights movement, encouraged us to “challenge the rules.”
The Gathering for Justice investing in the future of these 16 young leaders over the next six months, through training, mentorship, and hands-on organizing experience with our President & CEO Carmen Perez-Jordan, our National Director of Youth Campaigns and Leadership Luis Hernandez, and our Senior Regional Organizer Jasmine Dellafosse.
In addition, Troublemakers for Liberation fellows will support the public relaunch of Justice University, our movement school that immerses youth activists in principles of Kingian nonviolence, racial justice and gender equity analysis, and strategic organizing experience.
Join us in welcoming these dynamic troublemakers to our team!
