Expanding Freedom Schools in Kansas City: A Transformative Journey

By: Murray L. Woodard II 

BLAQUE Promise Project is thrilled to announce the expansion of Freedom Schools in Kansas City, building on the success of last summer's pilot program. In 2023, our sister organization, BLAQUE KC, reintroduced the CDF Freedom Schools model to Kansas City at Friendship Baptist Church, serving 50 scholars from across the area. This marked the first time in over a decade that Kansas City students had access to CDF Freedom Schools. 

This summer, our partnership with BLAQUE Kansas City and Kansas City Public Schools has allowed us to expand the Freedom Schools model to serve even more students. We are proud to have enrolled nearly 170 scholars across two sites: Friendship Baptist Church and Phillips Elementary School. This growth is a testament to the power of community collaboration and our shared commitment to uplifting and educating our youth. 

At BLAQUE Freedom Schools, we believe in providing rich, holistic educational experiences that go beyond traditional academics. Our partnerships with local organizations enable us to offer unique and inspiring opportunities for our students: 

WeCodeKC Partnership

Our 5th grade students at both sites are diving into STEM education, building Raspberry Pi computers, and learning coding. This hands-on experience fosters critical thinking and problem-solving skills essential for the future. 

LaunchCrate Partnership

By the end of the summer program, each of our scholars will become published authors. This initiative not only enhances their literacy skills but also empowers them to share their voices and stories with the world. 

TempleMade Fitness Partnership

Physical fitness is integral to our program. Through TempleMade Fitness, our students discover the fun and health benefits of regular physical activity, promoting overall well-being. 

Our program is delivered by dedicated servant leader interns, who are current college students or recent graduates, many of whom are majoring in education. This model creates a mutually beneficial environment: our scholars receive exceptional cultural and educational experiences, while our interns gain valuable, real-world teaching experience. This hands-on training is crucial in cultivating a pipeline of diverse and culturally responsive educators poised to fill much-needed vacancies in our local schools. 

Every day at Freedom School begins with Harambee, a lively session of songs, chants, and motivational readings designed to energize and unite our students. It’s a celebration of learning where books become gateways to discovery, aspiration, and empowerment. 

The need for high-quality educational programs is urgent, with recent data showing only 2 out of 10 Black children in Missouri reading at grade level. This literacy crisis is real, but it is not insurmountable. We all have a role to play in changing this narrative. By believing in the potential of every child, taking action through volunteering, mentoring, and investing in the program, and advocating for literacy in our city, we can make a difference. 

We were excited to learn at national training that others in the Kansas City area have also decided to bring the CDF Freedom Schools model back to our beloved city. Our city has a rich history with this program and at one time had the largest number of Freedom Schools sites in the country. We look forward to collaborating with current efforts, past collaborators, and interested community leaders who share this passion for our scholars and our community. 

We are always seeking enthusiastic read-aloud guests to inspire our scholars. If reading aloud isn’t your preference, you can still join us during Harambee and share your energy and excitement. Whatever role you choose, join us at BLAQUE Freedom School and be part of a movement that transforms lives through the power of education and community. Together, we can ensure every child has the opportunity to thrive and succeed.