Robbinsdale District Pilots Freedom Schools to Engage Students Academically, Culturally

Robbinsdale Area Schools is piloting a six-week program for kindergarten through eighth-grade students called Freedom Schools.

The program has two tracks, one that focuses on Native American culture and the other that focuses on Black culture. They are being offered at Meadow Lake Elementary, and more than 100 students have opted in to the program.

“My hope is scholars leave with a better sense of community, fellowship and social justice responsibilities,” said organizer Tamuriel Grace, director of integration, careers and colleges with the district. “Through the lens of the African-American culture or the American Indian culture, we hope they see their own selves.”

Students are called scholars and kick off every day with “Harambee,” which is a time of chants, songs and reading.

“It’s an opportunity to come together and get excited about the day before we embark on our learning,” said Grace. “We do what’s called ‘Harambee.’ It’s a Swahili word and it’s a fun opportunity for scholars to engage in some dancing and physical activity. They do cheers and chants.”

Grace says it’s often scholars favorite part of the day.

After the day kicks off with Harambee, students are divided up to work on reading or other academic skills. During Freedom Schools, there is a concentrated effort for the books that students read to reflect their heritage. For example, during one session a student read “Sulwe” by Lupita Nyong’o.

But there’s also plenty of games, arts and crafts that make summer camps fun. Organizers also recruit guest speakers to talk to children, like Sweet Potato Comfort Pie founder Rose McGee or local entrepreneur Zack Redmon of Redmon’s Popcorn.

A cultural night for the community is also planned.

Freedom Schools operates through the Children’s Defense Fund. To learn more, click here.

Rose McGee, founder of Sweet Potato Comfort Pie, spoke to students in the Freedom Schools offered by Robbinsdale School District.

New Hope