Freedom Schools Emerge in Response to Florida's Education Policies

In a notable initiative, Renee Scott Best led a class of predominantly Black students at a "freedom school" in St. Petersburg, Florida, where they engaged in a call-and-response activity centered on the contributions of African Americans. This program was established in reaction to what many perceive as an attack on Black history in Florida's public education system under Governor Ron DeSantis. Despite state mandates for teaching African American history, a report from the African American History Taskforce revealed that only 11 out of over 60 districts have a dedicated Black history curriculum. Edna Sherrell, the lead instructor at the Sarasota freedom school, expressed concerns about the fear surrounding the teaching of accurate historical narratives. She noted that while Florida has commendable educational standards, the apprehension among educators about potential repercussions for teaching the truth has stifled effective instruction. The freedom school aims to fill this gap by providing a curriculum that fosters Black pride and knowledge, which Best believes is crucial for African American children. The resurgence of freedom schools, which originated in Mississippi in 1964, reflects a growing movement to counteract restrictive educational policies. Activists like Hubbard emphasize the importance of these schools in equipping Black youth with the knowledge necessary for success in America. Meanwhile, a report by Human Rights Watch highlighted the detrimental effects of Florida's censorship laws on underrepresented communities, further underscoring the need for alternative educational spaces. As the political landscape evolves, advocates like Akil King view freedom schools as a vital response to the potential erasure of African American history. He warns that the current situation could serve as a catalyst for ensuring that this critical aspect of history remains a permanent fixture in education, regardless of changing political tides.