Freedom Friday

Comrade Chris and Ismael Jimenez discuss the evolving role of teachers as activists in the face of increasing educational regulations. They explore the importance of networking among educators, the need for accessible resources in social studies, and the intersection of civics and current events in education.  The discussion also touches on the potential for community-driven folk schools to fill g...

Chris, Sharif and Ish cover the implications of recent lawsuits that threaten educational initiatives and funding for Black individuals, emphasizing the need for collective action and strategic planning to combat these challenges. The episode covers the historical context of Black resistance and the importance of funding independent organizations that advocate for equity. It also highlights the cu...

Chris Stewart and Sharif El-Mekki discuss implore us to think critically about public schools in the United States. They share insights from their visits to Montessori schools, highlighting the benefits of student-centered learning environments. They discuss the impact of charter schools on public education, and the role of choice in improving educational outcomes. They highlight public school suc...

Chris, Ish, and Sharif discuss the case of hip hop mogul P. Diddy, exploring the implications for the music industry and its impact on youth culture. They delve into the darker aspects of the industry, discussing corruption and exploitation. The conversation also covers the indictment of Mayor Eric Adams and the case of Marcellus Williams, who was executed despite evidence pointing to his innocenc...

Chris, Ish, and Sharif discuss the issue of school shootings in the United States. They explore the cultural and societal factors that contribute to these incidents, including gun culture, access to firearms, mental health, and the devaluing of life. They also examine the role of law enforcement and the challenges of addressing gun violence in urban communities. The conversation highlights the nee...

Conscious Lee, an educator and social media influencer, discusses his journey in education and the power of using social media platforms to educate a wider audience. He shares how his love for education began in the classroom, and highlights his experience as a debater, where he broke history as part of first black debate team to go undefeated at the national debate tournament. He emphasizes the i...

Dr. Charles Cole III tells us about his insightful report, 'Oakland 2023 24: Proficiency Over Pageantry.' They address the significant disconnect between grades and actual proficiency levels among students, with a particular focus on the Black community's struggle to access quality education. Dr. Cole underscores the necessity of community involvement, agency, and self-reliance, urging parents and...

Let's explore the essential elements of a great school and why everything from safety and cultural inclusivity, to overall educational design are so important, Chris and Sharif delve into the impact of school policies on childhood, the role of educators in shaping a positive learning environment, and the need for age-appropriate education on historical injustices. The discussion also emphasizes th...

Brightbeam CEO, Chris "Citizen" Stewart and Ismael Jimenez, Director of Social Studies Curriculum for the School District of Philadelphia, explore the importance of high-quality curriculum in education. The conversation covers the issue of teachers sourcing curriculum from unreliable websites and the need for better quality control. The role of parents in monitoring curriculum and engaging in conv...

Malcolm X was born 99 years ago last weekend. In this powerful conversation, Ish, Sharif, and Chris delve into his multi-faceted legacy, debunking myths, and exploring his enduring influence on black thought, activism, and the quest for racial justice. From his early years and evolving views to the misconceptions surrounding his stance on violence and separatism, the conversation offers a nuanced...

Chris, Ismael, and Sharif are here to talk all things teachers and teaching. The guys debunk myths and discuss the challenges and realities of the profession. This episode highlights the lack of preparation provided by teacher preparation programs and the need for better training. The conversation also touches on the importance of diversity in the teaching profession and the need to be honest with...

The culture wars in education continue to rage, but Chris and Sharif are here to break down what we should actually be focusing on when it comes to setting up the next generation for academic success. In this episode of Freedom Friday, they discuss the importance of strong, well-prepared teachers and the need for ongoing support and development. They touch on the science of teaching and learning,...

Chris, Sharif, and Ismael explore the historical roots and evolution of public education in the United States. They discuss the origins of public education, racist foundations of educational psychology and the impact of white supremacist ideologies on the development of education in the United States. The conversation also highlights the contributions of Black educators and leaders who created sch...

Diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) is currently under attack. Chris, Sharif, and Ismael break down DEI, its origins in corporate culture, and why those on the right are so focused on attacking it. The guys examine the limitations and challenges of DEI, as well as the role of equity in addressing systemic barriers. The conversation highlights the need for representation and the ongoing struggle...

Takeaways COINTELPRO was a covert and often illegal program initiated by the FBI in 1956 and officially ended in 1971. It targeted civil rights organizations, Black Power movements, communist and socialist organizations, feminist groups, and more. The tactics used by COINTELPRO included surveillance, infiltration, discrediting, and disrupting targeted organizations. They would send inflammatory le...

Chris, Sharif, and Ismael discuss the potential impact of artificial intelligence (AI) on education, especially in the context of black education. They highlight the need for proper training and development for educators and the importance of critical thinking in using AI effectively. The crew also discusses concerns about AI accuracy, bias, and the potential for AI to replicate societal inequalit...

The conversation discusses an indictment of America and the role of education in understanding the true history of the country. It emphasizes the need to hold people accountable and focus on political power. The conversation also highlights the power of unions in organizing and creating change. The guys discuss the potential of technology, and the importance of education in advancing the cause of...

Stokley Williams, best known simply as "Stokley" is a Grammy-nominated, billboard chart-topping artist who keeps his tie to the culture strong, embracing the spirit of "Sankofa" or looking back to the past as we move to the future. Stokley joins Chris and Sharif to discuss the importance of Afrofuturism and the power of the arts in the black community. He talks about his formative years and cultur...

Summary What is the significance of the American presidency to the Black community? What about to our society as a whole? Let's explore the delusion of revering presidents and the need for truth-telling in education. As "President's Day" approaches, this Freedom Friday conversation highlights the dark history of presidents and the importance of teaching the complexities of American history. The di...

It's time to reimagine what a powerful Black future will look like. Chris and Ismael delve into the importance of Afro-futurism as well as the role of Afro-pessimism in understanding our current situation. The conversation also examines the dilemma faced by Black individuals in choosing between joining the existing system or pursuing liberation.  It highlights the need for radical imagination and...

In this special Black History Month episode of Freedom Friday, Chris, Sharif and Ismael discuss the need for a deeper understanding of Black history, and a focus on a Black future. They explore the commercialization and superficiality of Black History Month, as well as the repetitive nature of the stories and figures that are often highlighted. The hosts advocate for a shift towards Afro-futurism,...

The conversation explores the power and limitations of politics in education. It delves into personal experiences with politics and the disillusionment many feel towards both major political parties. The idea of not voting and the potential impact of disengagement is discussed. The conversation also highlights the importance of local politics and the potential for third parties to bring about chan...

This episode of Freedom Friday explores the concept of human geography and its relevance in understanding modern day conflicts and relations. The discussion highlights the role of colonialism, imperialism, and racism in shaping geopolitical dynamics. It also emphasizes the need for critical analysis and challenging existing structures to create a more just and equitable world.  The conversation co...

In the first Freedom Friday podcast of 2024, Chris, Sharif and Ismael  explore the importance of recognizing and addressing the actual structural changes in society advocated by Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. The hosts discuss the illusion of change and the need to focus on the underlying structures rather than superficial gestures. They highlight the self-reinforcing nature of white supremacy and the...

Too often we are told that slavery consisted of docile humans and their oppressive masters. But, the true history that we should be teaching our kids is a story of unceasing rebellion.  On the most recent episode of Freedom Friday , returning guest and Director of Social Studies Curriculum at Philadelphia Public Schools, Ismael Jimenez joined our CEO, Chris "Citizen" Stewart to discuss the part of...