Freedom School ‘an experience of a lifetime’ as kids learn lessons about self, family and community

Freedom School at McRae-Gaines Learning Center at Ebenezer Missionary Baptist Church was “an experience of a lifetime,” Site Coordinator Karlynn Johnson said at the closing event July 21.  

“The kids were enriched, they were stretched, they were taught, and they were loved on,” Johnson said. “It was a cultural, educational, historical, enriching and fun experience for the children.”  

James Perkins Jr., mayor of Selma and pastor of Ebenezer Baptist Church, said Freedom School gave participants “real-life kind of information.” 

“I know we get secular education in the school system and a faith-based education in the churches in the various sanctuaries, but this was real-life stuff in the Freedom School that they will carry with them throughout their days,” Perkins said. 

Students spoke about lessons learned during their time at McRae-Gaines Learning Center, lessons about self, family, community, country, world hope, education and action. The grand finale of the program was the release of the butterflies the children tended from their cocoon stage with Robert Kurkela, the project director of Freedom School.  

Johnson said the Student Leader Interns did a wonderful job, and she hoped for their return. She also said she hopes the Freedom School can get more adults on board, more sponsors and more sponsorships.  

Organizers hope to have Freedom School again next year, but it will not be held again until 2025 if funds can’t be raised.