Robert M. Beren Bridge Builders Student Fellowship Program Launched to Revitalize Black-Jewish Ties

The historical bonds between the Black and Jewish communities has long played a critical role in advancing civil rights and combating discrimination across America. Today, a rejuvenation of that partnership is vitally needed to address common challenges and empower a new generation of leaders to stand against hate.

With this aim in mind, the Combat Antisemitism Movement (CAM), in partnership with the African American Mayors Association (AAMA), have jointly launched Robert M. Beren Bridge Builders Fellowship.

The year-long leadership program will bring together students from Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs) and Jewish peers affiliated with the Tikvah Fund to build relationships and develop practical initiatives to confront antisemitism and racism.

The program is beginning with a national contest, now open for submissions, inviting students to offer an essay, video, or artwork exploring the history of Black-Jewish ties and proposing ideas for strengthening the partnership in the future.

From the submissions, 20 fellows will be chosen to join the program’s inaugural cohort. Selected fellows will receive a $10,000 scholarship and participate in leadership development seminars, dialogue sessions, and collaborative projects throughout the year.

The program is named in honor of the late Robert M. Beren. In the 1960s, Beren played a pivotal role in desegregating the public school system in Wichita, Kansas, while serving as president of the local school board. He also later helped establish CAM, through support from his philanthropic foundation.

“I’m very proud of my father’s leadership in desegregating public schools in Wichita, Kansas during the time when the Black community was fighting for its civil rights in America,” said CAM Founder Adam Beren, son of Robert Beren. “This fellowship is a tribute to his legacy of standing up what was right and for helping build a stronger country.”

“The Jewish and Black communities have a shared interest and obligation to stand up if racism or antisemitism rises in America, work together to defeat the hate, and honor those who paved the way before us,” he added.

CAM African-American Alliance Manager Dazia Wallerson stated, “Every great social movement has had young people at its center. We’re living in a moment that is asking something of us, and Beren Bridge Builders Fellowship is our answer. This program exists because we believe the next MLK, the next Rabbi Abraham Joshua Heschel, the next bridge builder is sitting in a classroom right now, waiting for an invitation to rise.”

For more information on Robert M. Beren Fellowship and to submit an entry, please visit: info.combatantisemitism.org/rmb

About Robert M. Beren:

The fellowship honors the late Robert M. Beren and his enduring legacy, who, through his foundation, helped launch and continues to support the Combat Antisemitism Movement to confront rising discrimination against Jews around the world. Through their leadership and philanthropy, the Beren family has carried forward their father’s commitment to defending the rights and safety of Jewish communities and opposing discrimination against others, including within the African American community.

During the 1960s, Beren spearhead the desegregation of the public school system in Wichita, Kansas, while serving as president of the school board. He dedicated months to developing and advocating for a comprehensive desegregation plan that earned both federal and local approval. Through integrity, transparency, and persistence, he built trust among civic leaders, engaged the broader community despite resistance, and guided the school board to meet its legal and ethical responsibilities.