After seven years, Saturday Freedom School is back in session
When I walked into Taliaferro Hall to cover one of the first Saturday Freedom School sessions since 2019, I saw a Soul Train-style line of middle schoolers and mentors dancing to Michael Jackson. It was clear this was something different than the typical out-of-school enrichment program.
Created by the African American and Africana Studies Department in 1999, the program provides out-of-school enrichment to Prince George’s County middle school students. The goal of the program is to “foster positive identity, academic confidence and community engagement,” said Dr. Sharon Harley, interim chair of the department.
Freedom Schools originated during the Civil Rights Movement for the 1964 Freedom Summer, which was created to campaign for an upcoming Mississippi election with the goal of using education to empower Black students and create social change, according to Jon Hale, author of an article titled “60 Years Later, Freedom Schools Are Still Radical—and Necessary.” The schools went on to be the most successful part of the summer campaign.
“By the end of the summer, over 2,500 students enrolled in over 40 schools,” Hale said.
Dominique Curtis co-chair of this university’s Saturday Freedom School, said the program offers a “for us by us” experience for the students.
“By the time they leave, they’re talkative and happy they came,” said Jerome Barnette, fellow co-chair of Saturday Freedom School.
Parents with children enrolled also praised the program.
“My girls are very excited about it, and they look forward to coming,” said Austin White, who has two daughters in the program.
“It’s one of the best kept secrets,” said Michelle Germany, grandmother of a student. “[My grandson] felt like he fit right in.” Maryland students have volunteered as mentors in order to support Saturday Freedom School students.
Beyond providing academic support, Saturday Freedom School also gives students the opportunity to connect with their culture. Students went to a powwow organized by Indigenous at UMD and the Native American and Indigenous Student Union, where they learned about Native American traditions.
The students also got the opportunity to take a Black History tour around campus and explore Maryland Day, according to mentor Kemi Olufade.
This year’s program concluded with a graduation ceremony on May 2. During this ceremony, founding mentors came back to speak to the current students.
“We did not really see ourselves represented in school,” said Halima Jenkins, a founding member Creating an environment where children can be more connected to cultures from a young age was something that she’s proud to be a part of.