Freedom Schools were made popular during what's known as Freedom Summer, which took place during the civil rights movement - in 1964. They were meant to supplement the education black students were missing out on as a result of segregation - as well as focus on African-American facets of history.
Black Lives Matter Champaign-Urbana will be revitalizing that effort come June 8th - teaching 6 & 7 year olds about: "history beyond American colonialist terms. The curriculum will focus on ancient Egyptian civilization and the histories, cultures, and revolutions throughout the African Diaspora..." (More info here.) Evelyn Reynolds heads the BLM chapter in Champaign - she talked about the new effort in this interview. She begins the discussion talking about current interest in the chapter:
For more info on Freedom Schools:
- The Forgotten Story of Freedom Schools via The Atlantic
- "The Freedom School Curriculum Website"
- Chicago Freedom School
