Freedom Summer
Interest Form

What is Freedom Summer?

Why I Created Freedom Summer

Tim’m T. West, Visionary and Executive Director

I created Freedom Summer because my own journey as an advocate began in a place few people would expect: the small town of Taylor, Arkansas. As a teenager, I cared deeply about fairness, opportunity, and the people around me, but I didn't yet have the language—or the historical context—to understand how individual acts of courage become collective movements for change. It wasn't until later that I discovered I was part of a much longer story, one written by ordinary people who chose to organize, build coalitions, and expand freedom for others. Working for more than a decade at the National Center for Civil and Human Rights only deepened that understanding, as I had the privilege of learning from movement leaders like Charles Person, John Lewis, Jo Ann Robinson, Diane Nash, and countless others whose leadership transformed our nation.

I launched Freedom Summer 3.0 in 2024 because I realized many young people shared the same passion for justice that I had as a teenager, but often struggled to connect today's issues to the inclusive, multiracial movements that reshaped America in the 1960s and beyond. Just as importantly, many understood what they cared about but had little opportunity to explore how systems, institutions, policies, and collective action either expand or restrict our freedoms. Freedom Summer 4.0 invites young people to bridge that gap—connecting history to the present, passion to purpose, and individual conviction to collaborative leadership. Together, we'll explore not only the movements that changed our past, but the skills, relationships, and imagination needed to build a more just future.

  • Freedom Summer begins with learning. Participants explore the history of the Civil Rights Movement, contemporary social justice movements, systems of power, and the leaders who transformed ordinary conviction into extraordinary change. We believe understanding history equips young people to become more thoughtful, informed, and effective advocates today.

  • Leadership begins with self-awareness. Through reflection, dialogue, and exploration, participants examine their identities, values, lived experiences, and the social justice issues that matter most to them. By understanding themselves more deeply, they begin to discover the unique role they can play in creating a more just world.

  • Social change has never been the work of one person alone. Freedom Summer cultivates a community rooted in belonging, mutual respect, and shared responsibility where young people from different backgrounds, identities, faiths, political perspectives, and life experiences learn with and from one another. We believe our differences are not obstacles to overcome—they are strengths that make our movements wiser, more creative, and more resilient.

  • The goal of Freedom Summer is not simply to inspire—it is to activate. Participants develop leadership skills, practice civic engagement, and transform their ideas into action through storytelling, collaboration, and public advocacy. We hope every young person leaves with greater confidence, stronger relationships, and a deeper commitment to building a more inclusive and equitable future.

Past Public Service Announcements (PSAs)

  • Did you know?

    in 2024’s primary election in NC, around 270,000 of voters were Black or AA whereas over 1 million voters were White. As a result, NC will remain with no women of color in the US Senate.

    My choice of agency will be to adhere to digital organizing in order to collect oral stories on my podcast to educate young Black generations in NC that are first time voters.

    Anaya Young, Graduate Freedom Summer 3.0 and Duke University Class of 2029


  • “Did you know the 1954 decision of Brown vs board of education declared that separate educational facilities for white and African American students were inherently unequal. Segregation laws created such a dent in history that still exists to this day. 

    Since learning about this issue, I hope to build more awareness and advocate for the lack of mental services in predominantly black schools. Research states that Afro American students may receive less mental health services in schools than students in predominantly white  schools. This can affect our students' performance in the classroom.” 

    Richard Mabry, Freedom Summer 3.0 and Dillard University, Class of 2030

  • Inspired by what I learned I hope to build more awareness and advocate against the divisive concepts bill as well as censorship as a whole….in fact- for the sake of professionalism (and the fact that my parents might see this)...I’m censoring myself right now 

    So- with this being said, “how do we fix this?” anybody got ideas- because I know I don’t have a lot…but I do have one proposal….

    For centuries - we’ve been trying to, as the adults in power say, “tell the whole truth and nothing but the truth” Ironically- since they don’t have the capacity to hold themselves to the same standard, we as the future must take it upon ourselves to do so.

    Therefore, I implore you to use your voice and the power you have to tell the stories from history, both known and unknown, and tell them accurately. 

    Na’Miah Howard, Freedom Summer 3.0
Learn More about our Agreements

Day 1: Thursday, july 30th

Arrive & Meet: Exploring Civil Rights

We will start our time together at the National Center for Civil and Human Rights to build the framework for growth.

11:00 - 12:00pm

Meet at NCCHR

Registration and Meet and Greet

12:00 - 1:45pm

Tour of NCCHR

Freedom Riders, March on Washington, and Action Lab + Janani Suresh Workshop- Systems of Power & Intersectionality

1:45 - 3:30pm

Drive to house

AirBnB in North Georgia Mountains

Community Norms & Free Time

3:30 - 4:45pm

4:45 - 6:35pm

Workshops

  1. What’s Your Leadership Profile- Treasure

  2. Identifying What Moves You To Create Change - Tim’m

7:00 - 8:00pm

Dinner

8:00 - 10:30pm

Documentaries

  1. Brother Outsider

  2. Pop, Pride, and Prejudice

Dialogue Facilitated by Martha Caldwell of Bayard Rustin Society- Atlanta

Day 2: Friday, July 31st

Day 2 will capture the major of our leadership sessions, led by members our the YOU(th) Belong Steering Committee. Additionally, we will help students write and craft their Public Service Announcements.

Workshops & Growth

Meditation

8:30 - 9:00am

Breakfast

9:00 - 10:00am

10:00- 11:20am

Workshop

Professionalism and Leadership, led by AJ Mize, YOU(th) Belong Acting Director and Freddi

Leadership begins with everyday habits. In this interactive workshop, teens will build confidence, strengthen communication skills, and learn the professional attitudes that help them thrive in school, the workplace, and their communities.

Free Time & Lunch

11:20 - 1:00 pm

Workshop

1:00 - 2:00 pm

Youth Activism Movements, led by Steering Committee

Throughout history, young people have helped shape some of our nation's most important social movements. In this workshop, participants will explore the leadership, courage, and strategies behind movements such as Black Lives Matter, LGBTQ+ equality, and the Women's March—and discover how they, too, can make a positive difference in their communities.

Developing YOUR Message, led by Solange Tran

This workshop will teach students what a Public Service Announcement is and how social media can be used to activate change.

Workshop & Reflection

2:30 - 4:00 pm

Choose Your Own Adventure

4:00 - 5:30 pm

You can paint, draw, play board/card games, play outside games, etc.

Dinner & Films

6:30 pm

Day 3: Saturday, August 1st

Look Forward & Wrap Up

Saturday will be comprised of packing up and heading home, but not before students have record their PSAs for later editing by our partner Solange Tran of Majik Media. These videos will be able to be uploaded to inform their peers about what moves them. Setting a higher bar than “each one, teach one, at YOU(th) Belong, each one teaches many.

Breakfast

7:30 - 8:30 am

Filming PSAs

8:30 - 10:00 am

Head to RICE

10:00 am

We will return to the Russel Innovation Center for Entrepreneurs (RICE), which is located at 504 Fair Street, SW Atlanta, Georgia 30313. This is because we are hosting Thicker Than Water, a cookout for Black chosen and affirming families. You can find more information for this on our page 2026 At A Glance.

We ask that students be picked up between 2-5pm.

  • "Freedom Summer 3.0 taught me what true Black power was, reminding me that our greatest strength comes from supporting, educating, and empowering one another."

    Haviland Brown, Freedom Summer 3.0, and Spelman College Class of 2027

  • "I value Freedom Summer because it encouraged young people to become leaders in Today's movements for Justice and Equal Rights."

    Richard Mabry, Freedom Summer 3.0 alum, YOU(th) Belong Steering Committee Member, YOU(th) Belong Advisory Council Alum, & Dillard University Class of 2030

  • "I valued the experience of learning more about history and being able to meet others who were passionate about many of the same issues. I also loved working on the Public service announcement and hearing about the various social justice issues my peers were advocating for."

    Anaya Young, Freedom Summer 3.0 Alum & Duke University Class of 2029

  • "Freedom Summer gave me the opportunity to learn more about black History that isn't being taught as much in schools while also connecting me with students who advocate for its inclusion in curriculum."

    Shanae Johnson, Freedom Summer 3.0 Alum & Bowie High School (Maryland) Class of 2027

Interested in joining Us?

Interest Form

Frequently Asked Questions

  • The YOU(th) Belong Freedom Summer Retreat is designed for youth who are passionate about growing as leaders, exploring their identity, and creating positive change in their communities. This retreat offers a welcoming space to learn, connect, and build your leadership skills alongside other changemakers.

  • Recruitment for the YOU(th) Belong Freedom Summer Retreat is happening now! Applications are accepted leading up to the retreat. Apply today!

  • Complete the online application and tell us a little about yourself and your interest in the retreat. Once applications are reviewed, selected participants will receive next steps and additional details.

  • Our presenters are experienced leaders, advocates, educators, health professionals, youth advocates and leaders who are passionate about empowering youth through leadership development, advocacy, and identity-centered learning.

  • The YOU(th) Belong Freedom Summer Retreat is free for accepted participants, including retreat programming, meals, and lodging. Transportation information and additional details will be shared upon acceptance.

  • Participants are welcome to attend the YOU(th) Belong Freedom Summer Retreat more than once. Returning attendees are encouraged to continue growing their leadership, advocacy, and community-building skills while welcoming and learning alongside new participants.

  • We're here to help! Contact our team for additional information, or follow us on social media to stay up to date on retreat announcements, deadlines, and highlights.