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Freedom School programming launches in South Apopka

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From the Hope CommUnity Center

For two weeks, Hope Community Center's South campus was filled with laughter, muddy shoes and about 25 young kids participating in a new community initiative. South Apopka’s first Freedom School was held July 9th-20th which was organized by HCC’s Community Organizer Lashae Copeland and other local Apopka volunteers.

The history of Freedom School programming dates to the 1960s. The structured Freedom Schools program was developed by the Student Nonviolent Coordinating Committee (SNCC) during the 1964 Freedom Summer in Mississippi. They were intended to counter the "sharecropper education" received by poor Americans.

Focused on providing a curriculum that helps to empower, educate and support youth in learning about Afrocentric history and about their communities. These kids in South Apopka, aged 5-10 experienced a Wakanda themed two weeks as they learned about the real African Tribes from the Wakanda movie and were led by camp staff volunteers “tribal leaders” who consisted of Americorps volunteers, UCF college Students, and local Apopka community members. Along with their Wakanda experience they learned about healthy eating, self-love/empowerment, Agroecology, DNA, social activism, African Dance and much more!

As part of their environmental and community lesson, they visited the Farmworker Association to learn about the Lake Apopka Farmworkers. The kids were curious, attentive and very concerned about what happened to the Farmworkers as well as how people in their community are affected by the lake’s contamination today. The group drove past sites such as Duda Farms as they learned about what has happened to the environment around them. One of Linda Lee's grandchildren participated in the program and was voted as a leader by his own peers!

Freedom School programming will likely continue in South Apopka during school breaks and holidays for community kids to continue learning about these important topics.

LeMarquis and Cecilia complete an art project during their visit to Hannibal Square heritage center

Group picture with the Wakanda Salute

Students Yeferson, Kyron and Josue pictured learning about making "seed bombs" with Milkweed seeds

For more information about how to get involved or support in any way please contact Lashae Copeland -LCopeland@HCC-0ffm.org or at (407) 880-4673.

Freedom School, Hope CommUnity Center

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