New Suns Fellowship

“There is nothing new under the sun, but there are new suns.”

- Octavia E. Butler

About the New Suns Fellowship

Launched in 2024, The New Suns Fellowship is a signature, holistic leadership development initiative of the Black Collective Foundation MN that fortifies the genius of Black-led change by investing in organizers and leaders engaged in community-centered civic action.

Building on Minnesota’s legacy of transformational, people-powered civic momentum, the fellowship supports leaders who are organizing for durable, transformative infrastructure and power within their communities.

In addition to leadership grants, the New Suns Fellowship includes retreats and convenings as immersive spaces for reflection, strategic planning, and community-building. It also aims to build an ecosystem of leaders focused on civic action, connecting each fellow to a larger, interconnected network of leaders, organizations, and initiatives committed to long-term transformation.

The New Suns Fellowship is inspired by esteemed writer Octavia Butler's work and her belief that while there may be nothing new under the sun, new suns can emerge. By embracing this principle, the fellowship encourages leaders to not only react to current circumstances but also shape change, envisioning new possibilities, systems, networks, and worlds.

The New Suns Fellowship has completed two cohorts from 2025 and 2025-2026. Learn more and view the list of Fellows in the first cohort here, and the second cohort here.

HEAR from New Suns Fellows

“The new sun I envision for the communities in Minnesota is one characterized by resilience, unity, and a passionate commitment to love. It echoes the sentiment that while the stories may not be new, the potential for growth, understanding, and transformation is limitless. By embracing this collective journey, we can forge a path toward a future that honors the past while boldly stepping into the vibrant possibilities of tomorrow.”

Kevin Reese Jr., Founder & Executive Director, Until We Are All Free Movement; Founder & CEO of Until We Are All Free Consulting Group

“This fellowship is inspiring me as a leader to foster a more holistic workplace culture—one that centers rest as a fundamental core value. The movement for justice cannot thrive if those doing the work are exhausted. We must model a different way of being, one that resists the oppressive burnout culture and embraces sustainability. This is especially critical in Minnesota, where we continue to reckon with the weight of systemic injustice.”

Georgia Fort, Emmy-Award Winning Journalist, Here’s the Truth

2025-2026 New Suns Cohort

The 2025–26 New Suns Fellowship cohort was inspired by the Black Legacy Fellowship Program and supported 20 racial justice organizers across the Twin Cities. Building on Minnesota’s legacy of transformational, people-powered civic momentum, the second cohort of the New Suns Fellowship focused on racial justice leaders who are organizing to build power and create change within their communities. Key Features of the Second Cohort Design included: 

A Focused Approach to Wellness: 20 Fellows across the Twin Cities each received $20,000 to support a self-designed plan for wellness, healing, and leadership development. This investment reflects our belief that wellness and restoration are essential to sustaining long-term civic leadership. This funding enables Fellows to step away from their day-to-day work and focus on one of the following areas:

  • Wellness – Time to reset and reconnect with family, home, and self, creating a foundation to return to activism with renewed clarity and purpose.

  • Healing – A culturally-rooted healing journey, potentially including spiritual and ancestral practices and travel to restore the mind, body, and spirit.

  • Leadership Development – Pursuit of learning opportunities, coaching, training, or certifications that support continued growth as a community leader.

Wraparound Leadership & Wellness Support: In addition to the grant investments, Fellows received holistic, integrated support through the following core components:

  • Group Wellness & Healing Sessions – Through a partnership with Reviving Roots Therapy—a Minnesota-based, Black-centered wellness center—Fellows participated in facilitated group sessions that provide holistic mental health support, culturally affirming and trauma-informed care, and dedicated space for Black healing and restoration.

  • Leadership Convenings & Development Sessions - In-person retreats and gatherings offered immersive opportunities for growth in key areas of leadership and personal sustainability. These convenings featured sessions on financial guidance, social and emotional care, and network development, while also creating space for Fellows to build deep, trusting relationships with one another. A key highlight includes a cohort trip where Fellows will spend intentional time away from home engaging in deep learning, connection, and shared visioning—strengthening both individual leadership and the broader Black-led change ecosystem.

  • Individualized Coaching – Fellows received personalized coaching focused on strengthening their leadership and sustaining their impact over the long term. Coaches serve as trusted guides, helping Fellows align their values with their leadership goals and navigate challenges with clarity and intention. This coaching will support each Fellow in developing their sabbatical plan, leadership vision, cultivating personal wellness and lifestyle design, and building strategies for long-term sustainability.