Chicago Freedom School ( CFS ) truly believes that youth can help create social change.
Built on the legacy of the Freedom Schools created during the civil rights movement throughout Mississippi, this new school helps young activists learn about their history; develop the tools and support they need; build alliances across the city; learn more about themselves; and find their voices. CFS started programming in July with the launch of its 2007 Freedom Fellows program, a year-long 'school' for youth ages 14-16.
According to associate director Stephanie Gentry-Fernandez, who grew up in Chicago and was a youth activist herself, the idea was born when a youth approached one of the founder members, Mariame Kaba, and asked where youth can meet other young people interested in social change.
CFS's 2007 year started off with a summer program for 40 youth. During the summer, participants could choose from six areas of study, such as music, visual arts, sports and health. Although the summer school is now over, CFS will keep in contact with the 2007 Freedom Fellows throughout the year. They will receive workshops and trainings and be matched with adult mentors for support and guidance.
Although there are a few programs in the city for youths, the truth is, said Gentry-Fernandez, what is needed is a group that branches across all neighborhoods for youth to meet likeminded individuals and build citywide coalitions. CFS strives to do just that.
Gentry-Fernandez, who has been involved in many organizations since age 15, including About Face Theatre, said she actually left Chicago for three years to meet other youth because she was discouraged.
CFS hopes that feeling of isolation can be avoided for the next generation.
The make-up of this year's participant group is truly diverse, allowing the youths to share their experiences and learn from one another. According to Gentry-Fernandez, the 2007 Freedom Fellows came from all over the city, although the majority arrived from the South Side. This year's group was predominately African-American, with some Latino participants as well. Roughly a quarter of the participants are queer, she said, and 'there are a lot of buddies allies.'
And CFS looks for diversity beyond race and neighborhood as well, seeking youths who aren't necessarily enrolled in school, those who live in shelters and those with learning disabilities.
'There is so much usable knowledge in these different experiences,' Gentry-Fernandez said, 'but they haven't been given the opportunity to have a voice. So, we're trying to do just that.'
This year's participants also brought a wide variety of issues to the table, such as homelessness, animal rights and gentrification, as well as homophobia and hate crimes.
The most significant tool the organization hopes these youths walk away with is the ability to recognize their power and voice.
'There are all these different ways that mainstream society tries to tell you that you don't count, don't have a voice or you aren't worth it,' Gentry-Fernandez said. 'Even just loving yourself—as a queer person, a person of color, as a low-income person, as a woman, etc.—that in itself is revolutionary because it puts you in a place to be able to stand up against these larger systems of oppression.'
Youths interested in becoming involved for the 2008 Freedom Fellowship should visit the CFS Web site in Spring 2008 for an application.
To learn more about CFS, see www.chicagofreedomschool.org, e-mail info@chicagofreedomschool.org or call 630-991-1973.
