The John Robert Lewis Scholars & Fellows Program

Background

After the passing of Congressman Lewis July 17, 2020, it became clear the Faith & Politics Institute could work to fulfill his mandate that “we all have roles to play” as his mantle is extended to the next generation of leaders. To this end, FPI has established the John Robert Lewis Scholars & Fellows Program. 

Two parallel cohorts – John Robert Lewis Scholars & Fellows (students) and John Robert Lewis Leaders (professionals) – will work in a single program to cultivate an intergenerational transfer and exchange of wisdom, inspiration, and methods for action.

Mission

The Faith & Politics Institute works to bridge the divides that arise in our thriving democracy and create productive paths forward. We ground our work in the philosophy of civil rights leader and Board Chair Emeritus, the late Congressman John Lewis. Like Lewis, we believe that making lasting positive social change requires that “the means and ends are inseparable.”

Since 1991, we have brought US Presidents, Cabinet members, Members of Congress of both chambers and parties, diplomats, nonprofit and corporate leaders together through our nonpartisan work. We foster greater understanding, mutual respect, moral reflection, and honest conversation to achieve a just and peaceful nation aspired to by our Founders and their heirs.

Vision

Our vision is based on three important tenets:

• Strengthening moral leadership to advance our democracy;

• Cultivating mutual respect, moral reflection and honest conversation required to build common ground, create positive change, and dissent without degradation; and

• Bridging differences of political affiliation, geography, faith, class, and race for the common good.

WHY APPLY TO THE SCHOLARS & FELLOWS PROGRAM?

To study the principles of nonviolence

TO JOIN a network of emerging leaders

To become a changemaker in your community

Testimonials From Scholars & Fellows

Past Scholars & Fellows have studied:

PROGRAM OUTLINE FOR 2025-2026

MAY 2025 (TBD), 7-8 PM ET VIRTUAL ORIENTATION WEBINAR VIA ZOOM

JULY 15-17, 2025 WASHINGTON, D.C. OPENING CONVOCATION

Leaders will participate in a 3-day opening program together with the Scholars & Fellows near the White House and National Mall. FPI is assembling exemplary leaders, instructors, and practitioners to teach and discuss the merits of the nonviolence philosophy from a historical perspective; define principles and strategies; and identify their applicability to modern times, current issues, and everyday life. While in D.C., Leaders will also have the opportunity to visit the National Museum of African American History and Culture, the Frederick Douglass National Historic Site, and other sites significant to the African American Freedom struggle.

6 VIRTUAL CONVERSATIONS ON RACIAL, ECONOMIC, AND SOCIAL INEQUITIES:

Program participants will join 6 two-hour sessions in September ‘25, November ‘25, January ‘26, February ‘26 April ‘26, and May ‘26 (exact dates TBD) exploring American history of race and public policy with policymakers, practitioners, and academic researchers. These sessions take place on Sunday afternoons from 3-5pm ET. Special guests - political leaders and subject matter experts – are invited to discuss the following the topics (*topics subject to change).

MARCH 4-8, 2026, CONGRESSIONAL CIVIL RIGHTS PILGRIMAGE

Leaders will have an opportunity to join FPI’s Congressional Civil Rights Pilgrimage honoring communities of ordinary people who did extraordinary things to bend the arc of the moral universe toward justice.

MID-JULY 2026 (TBD), WASHINGTON, D.C. CLOSING CONVOCATION

Program participants will regather in Washington, D.C. for the final part of the program. They will have the opportunity to present their oral history projects, meet with their Senators and Representatives, visit the US Holocaust Memorial Museum, and pass the torch to the new cohort of Leaders.

ESSENTIAL REFERENCES

There are many rich primary and secondary sources that will come up during program discussions. We will provide a list of selected references, which will provide historical, philosophical, and spiritual context to John Lewis’ leadership and that of some of his close contemporaries. We encourage Leaders to explore the readings, videos, podcasts, and films in advance so they will be able to engage more fully with our program guests throughout the course of the program.

ORAL HISTORY PROJECT

One of the most meaningful parts of this program is the opportunity for every Leader to engage in an Oral History Project. The goal of this project is not only to connect more deeply into the work of people in our own communities, but to learn through their stories – the challenges, struggles, opportunities, and triumphs of those who have been engaged in creating positive societal change. Leaders will have the opportunity to present their project during the closing convocation in July 2026.

Applications for Cohort 6 will open September, 2025

For questions contact Marisa Pryor, FPI Director of Educational Programs, at education@faithandpolitics.org

Sign up for updates about the program here.