In September 2024, we launched the Freedom Literacy Workshop and partnered with local Providence Public Schools. 

During the morning session, we visited MLK Elementary where 125 first and second grade students attended an author talk by local author Oge Mora. Afterwards, she signed copies of her books, and each student was gifted a signed copy. One of our dear colleagues mentioned that her son brought the book home and was excited about potentially being an illustrator/author like Oge Mora. The teachers at MLK Elementary partnered to incorporate an art collage project and other curriculum activities to complement the teaching and learning. Afterwards, the students wrote thank you letters to the authors. Additionally, local author Autumn Allen gave a book talk of her debut novel, “All You Have To Do” for an African American studies course at Hope High School. Each of the students received a signed copy of her novel. 

The afternoon session kicked off with a fabulous panel about intellectual freedom, literacy, storytelling and why keeping stories alive is vital for our moral, intellectual and communal health. I am forever grateful to the Simmons Center for their tireless efforts and support with organizing, event planning, and making sure that the legacies of literacy, storytelling, and justice remain at the forefront of our ongoing fight for freedom.

Latoya Teague

Historical Injustice and Democracy Research Cluster Fellow
Simmons Center/Watson Historical Injustice and Democracy Postdoctoral Research Associate