I WANT TO BE FREE, FREE, FREE: THE MISSISSIPPI FREEDOM SCHOOLS OF 1964

This project investigates the “Freedom Schools” of the Mississippi Freedom Summer Project of 1964. It argues that, despite the distinct differences between the Mississippi African American students and their white, northern teachers, the teachers and students were able to build relationships that enabled the students to actualize their potential and value as Americans. These realizations inspired freedom school students to rise up as the next generation of civil rights activists. The historiography of the Freedom Summer details the freedom schools through a historical lens, analyzing causes and effects of the schools. Instead of following this academic trend, this project will bring together the fields of history and education to help better prepare current educators. Through reading and analyzing hundreds of primary sources collected from the Freedom Summer, northern volunteers, and the freedom school alumni, I will present a history of the summer as well as an analysis of the teachers, students, pedagogy, and long-term effects of the freedom schools. By presenting the freedom school pedagogy and an understanding of the freedom summer program, I hope to help current educators discover new ways to connect and form relationships with their students, enabling them to understand their value and reach their potential.

Additional Abstract Information

Student(s): Emma Appleton

Department: History

Faculty Advisor: Dr. Raymond "Skip" Hyser

Type: Oral

Year: 2019