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Welcome Message
The Black and Jewish Leaders of Tomorrow (BJLT) is a 501c3 organization founded in 2021 by Dr. John Eaves, who is an active member of the Black and Jewish communities of Atlanta.
With generous support from the Jewish Federation of Greater Atlanta, BJLT has cultivated, bridge building, established friendships, and provided leadership development to Black and Jewish college students in the State of Georgia.
If you are a Black and/or Jewish college student, be inspired by the testimonials of your peers and consider applying to become a BJLT Fellow so that you can become a part of a growing number of leaders, activists, and advocates who are emboldened to address and eradicate racism and antisemitism on college campuses and in local communities.
Dr. John Eaves
Founder & National Director
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What is the Black and Jewish Leaders of Tomorrow?
BJLT creates a unique opportunity for a new generation of Black and Jewish college students to convene in a community forum to meet each other, identify issues of bigotry, engage in courageous conversations, and build future alliances to fight racism and antisemitism through activism and advocacy. BJLT organization was previously known as the Political Leaders of Tomorrow (PLOT).
What is the BJLT Leadership Forum?
The BJLT Leadership Forum will bring 25 Black and 25 Jewish college students together for a leadership forum on April 5 - 7, 2024. These emerging leaders from Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCU's) and Predominantly White Universities (PWI's) will participate in a meaningful dialogue to foster inter-group Black - Jewish relations, discuss mutual concerns about hate (i.e. racism and antisemitism) towards their respective communities, and to develop a plan of action to combat hate in their local communities.
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About the Founder and National Director Dr. John Eaves
Dr. John Eaves is the Founder and National Director of the Black and Jewish Leaders of Tomorrow. His career is a demonstration of leadership in action. His passion for “service to others” reflects his Jewish ancestry, while being deeply grounded by challenges of racism associated with being a person of African ancestry.
Born and raised in Jacksonville, Florida, Dr. Eaves came to Georgia as a Freshman at Morehouse College as a walk-on to the football team and rose to be a 4-year letterman and team captain by his Senior Year. While at Morehouse, John received local and national recognition for his volunteerism in Atlanta Public Schools.
Dr. Eaves got his first experience in politics while volunteering with his Uncle Reginald Eaves’ campaign for Mayor of Atlanta. Following his graduation from Morehouse, John served as National Director of the NCAA Volunteer for Youth Program and then the Southeast Regional Director of the Peace Corps. In 2006, he achieved his dream of public service by getting elected as Chairman of Fulton County--Georgia’s most populous county. During his 11-year tenure, Dr. Eaves established a reputation as a staunch advocate on Healthcare, Transportation, Voting, Homelessness, and Criminal Justice Reform.
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Dr. Eaves holds a Masters Degree in Religion from Yale University
Dr. Eaves holds a Masters Degree in Religion from Yale University, and a Ph.D. in Educational Administration from the University of South Carolina. He is the recipient of numerous prestigious awards, including two (2) Fulbright Awards in Germany and Finland, and an American Memorial Fellow. He has written about the intersectionality of being Black and Jewish, as an active member of the Temple (Hebrew Benevolent Congregation) in Atlanta, and he is the former chair of the Racial Justice Committee of the Rothschild Social Justice Institute.
Dr. Eaves’ passion is helping teach and mentor college students. He currently serves as a “lecturer” at Spelman College and teaches dynamic young women in the Political Science Department. Dr. Eaves is a devoted father of two adult children. He lives in Atlanta.
Leadership Forum Agenda
Day 1
The Leadership Forum will begin with Leadership Fellows attending a Shabbat Service and dinner at a local synagogue.
Day 2
The Leadership Forum will feature a dynamic array of Black and Jewish elected officials and social justice advocates in a gathering at the Auburn Avenue Research Library.
Day 3
Day 3: The Leadership Forum will feature a dynamic array of Black and Jewish elected officials and social justice advocates in a gathering at the Jewish Federation of Greater Atlanta.
Leadership Agenda
Unity Dinners
The Unity Dinners are opportunities for Black and Jewish college students to meet each other in a social setting and engage in thoughtful conversations over a meal.
Unity dinners will be hosted by Hillel chapters at Emory, Georgia Tech, and Agnes Scott as well as the HBCU's of the Atlanta University Center.
Unity Dinners
Participating Schools
Participaing Schools
Selection Criteria
Interested Applicants:
Eligibility Requirements: Must be a currently enrolled Black and/or Jewish student at participating schools with some leadership experience and a commitment to participate in the full program.
Application Deadline: December 15, 2023
Our Partners and Sponsers
Partners sponsers
"I am interested in participating in this leadership forum because I believe that African Americans and Jewish people have a shared history of oppression, discrimination, and a goal of pursuing justice. Both communities have faced racism and prejudice where discussions in a forum like this can bridge connections and allow for conversations to take place."
Mya D.
Spelman College
Testimonials
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Do You Want to Donate?
BLJT welcomes contributions from corporate and individual donors who desire to help strengthen and expand the work of bridge building between Black and Jewish college students so that they can be change agents to eradicate antisemitism and racism on college campuses and local communities.
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