Councilwoman Cartright Serves As Guest Reader At Freedom School
Coram – Councilwoman Valerie M. Cartright was a guest reader at the Children’s Defense Fund (CDF) Freedom School Summer Program at Faith Baptist Church on July 12th. Councilwoman Cartright read the story When Grandmama Sings, written by Margaree Mitchell and illustrated by James E. Ransome.
The story focuses on an African American singer who embarks on a tour in the segregated Deep South. The Councilwoman discussed the history of segregation and highlighted the drastic changes in the law and society since that time period. She encouraged the students to recognize the struggles of their ancestors and to always do their best and take advantage of the many opportunities that are available to them now.
The CDF Freedom School’s program mission is to “build strong, literate, and empowered children prepared to make a difference in themselves, their families, communities, nation and world today.” The program provides children access to books during the summer and after school and helps to supplement classroom learning during the summer. Freedom Schools, founded in 1992, now have had over 137,000 participants from grades pre-K to 12.
“Spending the morning reading with the students at Freedom School which has become a yearly summer tradition,” stated Councilwoman Cartright. “I appreciate the dedication of those who run the program and encourage others to volunteer at Freedom School to positively influence the youth of our communities.”
Visit http://www.childrensdefense.org/programs/freedomschools/ for more information regarding the Children’s Defense Fund Freedom Schools.
