This summer, NAZ supported scholars at our anchor partner Nellie Stone Johnson Elementary School, who spent their days learning, growing, and discovering more about who they are and what they can become through Freedom School, a summer learning experience rooted in the Civil Rights Movement.
Freedom Schools were created in the 1960s by African American families and leaders who wanted Black children to have access to education that affirmed their identities, histories, and potential. Today, the Children’s Defense Fund and partners like Nellie Stone Johnson continue that legacy by creating spaces where children can strengthen their academic skills, build confidence, celebrate their culture, and see themselves as leaders.
Throughout the summer, scholars practiced reading, explored African American history and contributions, and developed leadership skills. They also built relationships with caring adults and NAZ Scholar Success Coaches who encouraged them to recognize their strengths and reminded them that their voices, ideas, and dreams matter.
The program was visited by World Wrestling Entertainment (WWE) superstars Otis and Ivy Nile Freedom School as part of SummerSlam’s community outreach. They joined scholars for their signature cheers and chants, talked about the importance of education and physical fitness, and shared some of their own experiences and challenges as students. And, of course, the scholars had plenty of questions of their own. They wanted to know about Otis and Ivy’s favorite school subjects, how much they could bench press, and what being a WWE Superstar is really like.
The visit gave scholars a chance to connect with role models while hearing a message that extends far beyond the day itself: challenges are part of every journey, but with determination and the right people beside you, you can keep moving forward.
NAZ was presented with a custom WWE Championship belt, while members of the Freedom School Gardening Club joined Ivy and Otis outside to plant a sugar maple tree on school grounds. It was a fitting reminder of what Freedom School is all about: growth takes time, care, and a strong foundation.
Freedom School is a chance for children to keep learning, stay connected, celebrate who they are, and build confidence over the summer, and it is one of the many ways NAZ invests in scholars' academic success and enrichment.