Purdue CDF Freedom School Program at First Church

About CDF Freedom School

The CDF Freedom Schools® program has its origins in the Mississippi Freedom Summer Project of 1964, which brought college students from around the country to Mississippi to secure justice and voting rights for Black citizens. These early Freedom Schools aimed at keeping Black children and youth safe and giving them rich educational experiences that were not offered in Mississippi’s public schools. In a variety of makeshift settings, college student volunteers provided instruction in reading, writing, humanities, mathematics, and science along with subjects not taught in Mississippi public schools, such as Black history and constitutional rights. All of their instruction was tailored to encourage children and youth to become independent thinkers, problem solvers, and agents of change in their own communities.

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Become a Read Aloud Guest

Each morning we invite community members to our site to serve as a Read Aloud guest during our morning activity: Harambee.

During the CDF Freedom School Day, Harambee is a time of informal sharing when children and staff come together to celebrate themselves and each other. It energizes both students and staff and creates a positive atmosphere.

The purpose of Read Aloud is to show our scholars how reading is an integral part of all professions, so be prepared to talk about how important reading is for your job. We ask that guests arrive by 8:15 am. Harambee ends at 9:00 am

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