Freedom School
What is Freedom School?
A Legacy of Empowerment and Education
At LIT City Freedom School, we are part of a powerful tradition of community-driven education designed to empower marginalized youth. Rooted in the history of the Mississippi Freedom Summer of 1964, our program continues to honor the work of those who fought for civil rights and educational access for all people. Our mission is to provide a space where young people can not only excel academically but also develop the leadership, cultural pride, and social consciousness necessary to advocate for themselves and their communities.
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The History of Mississippi Freedom Summer
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The Mississippi Freedom Summer of 1964 was a pivotal moment in the Civil Rights Movement, when activists and volunteers traveled to Mississippi to register Black voters and provide educational opportunities to Black youth who had been historically denied access to quality education. Central to this effort were the Freedom Schools, which aimed to empower children and youth by providing a curriculum rooted in the history and culture of Black people, while fostering a sense of pride and purpose.
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These schools were born out of the belief that education should be about more than just academics—it should empower young people to challenge injustice, understand their history, and find their voice in the fight for freedom. Today, this same spirit continues through the CDF Freedom Schools and our local partnerships, with an emphasis on literacy, leadership, and community engagement.
Join Us
Be a Part of Our Community: Volunteer with Us!
We’re always looking for passionate community members to join us and help support the youth of our community. Here’s how you can get involved:
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Meal Squad: Help by donating a meal, contributing money to buy meals, or volunteering your time to cook! Any support is appreciated.
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Harambee Reader: Share a 15-minute reading session during our morning assembly. You can choose a book or select from our provided materials. Your time and presence make a big impact!
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Afternoon Activity: Do you have a talent or skill to share? Teach our youth something new—whether it’s perfume making, music production, sewing, or painting! We’d love to partner with you.
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Apply to Work as a Servant Leader Intern (SLI)
At Lit City Freedom School. we believe in the power of intergenerational leadership, where young leaders guide and inspire the next generation of changemakers. As a Servant Leader Intern (SLI) at Lit City Freedom School, you will play a crucial role in shaping the educational experience of youth in grades 7-12, while developing your own leadership skills along the way.
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As an SLI, you will:
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Serve as a mentor and role model to younger scholars, helping them see themselves as future college students, advocates, and leaders
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Work in a small classroom setting with a 10:1 scholar-to-teacher ratio to provide personalized, nurturing support.
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Engage in two weeks of intensive training to learn effective classroom management, social-emotional learning, and strategies for delivering engaging, rigorous lessons.
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Lead social justice initiatives and community projects that empower students and promote advocacy.
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Receive ongoing leadership development and networking opportunities that will prepare you for continued service and advocacy.
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This is a fantastic opportunity to not only gain hands-on teaching experience but also to make a lasting impact in your community. SLIs come from communities similar to the ones in which our program serves, ensuring that our staff deeply understands the needs and potential of the students we work with.
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