Freedom School organizes youth to fight oppression

Roots for Peace organizes with young people throughout the year to shift systems of oppression in Los Angeles and center the needs of working-class people of color. Every summer we host a Freedom School to invite new students to learn and build with us.

Twenty-two youth joined us during the summer of 2024. Here are some of their reflections:

“Freedom School made me feel more connected to my community and showed me how I can make a difference by helping others and standing up for what's right.” – Alondra

“This program allowed me to self-reflect on the way I move in the world and being able to listen to so many experiences has made me reflect on my own.”  - Esteban 

“It showed me how we all go through harsh things that we shouldn’t have to face at such a young age, but in society we normalize it sometimes, and it needs to change.” – Jessica 

“The systems that we have are broken and need to be fixed by the right people like us.” – Brandon

“I felt exposed in a good way. It made me feel really comfortable in expressing who I am and helped me feel that if I strongly believe in something, I have a voice I can use.” – Amy

“It brought me together with other students who shared the passion to learn about systems and how to give and better our own communities.” – Mia

“Freedom school created a space for me to not feel ashamed that I was uneducated in some system or topics we talked about and that made me comfortable to learn and talk with the others in the space.” – Maryjane

Julie, our returning peer mentor, added: “Freedom School has had so much impact on my life these past two years. The biggest one has been connecting with my community. Being educated on the injustices that occur in my neighborhood and how to become part of the change with other youth has been very inspiring.”

This summer, our staff team of Martha Rosario, Adrian Alvarez, Adalberto Rios and I were moved by the vulnerability, power, and wisdom of these 22 students. We’d like to offer them the words of Harriet Tubman: “Every great dream begins with a dreamer. Always remember, you have within you the strength, the patience, and the passion to reach for the stars to change the world.”