50 years ago today, students who chose to boycott school were given the option to attend Freedom Schools, makeshift classes set-up by education activists primarily in churches, temples and synagogues. The curriculum was Civil Rights themed, and activities included historical skits, Freedom Songs, and painting picket signs for the rally downtown later that afternoon.
Below is some of our footage from one of the Freedom Schools, taken (we believe) at the KAM Synagogue, now the headquarters of Rainbow PUSH Coalition. If you recognize anyone or have any further information about this Freedom School, contact us through our site.
This is the first time we’re releasing this footage – it has spent most of the past 50 years in a box. Enjoy!