Our Story
In the summer of 2012, as nationwide funding for arts programs were being cut at startling rates, Freedom Arts organized their first event at a local park inviting young people to learn bucket drumming alongside various African dance styles. From that event, Freedom Arts began to offer recurring arts workshops to children. Within the next year, a group of twenty children became the first cohort of students, participating in myriad arts opportunities and after school tutoring, always focused on student voice and strengthening bonds. This laid a strong foundation to build a village within St. Louis and, as a testament to the power of their efforts, several of the first students are now Freedom Arts staff members, carrying the program to the next level through their growth.
Inspired by Fred Hampton and the Black Panthers mission to feed the people, teach the people, and heal the people, Freedom Arts is a team of like minded artists, educators, and organizers committed to making a positive impact in St. Louis, particularly for those living in systemically under-resourced areas. Not only does Freedom Arts advocate for youth and provide arts and academic enrichment, the organization is committed to supporting young people using their voices and artistry to impact the broader community. Understanding that the arts provide outlets and hones skills necessary to shift ideas and communities, under the direction of their youth, Freedom Arts has participated in local and national campaigns to right the ship for young people across the country, including as members of the Missouri Coalition of Debt Free Justice, a national campaign to abolish fines and fees incurred in the juvenile justice system, through the development of community gardens, and myriad other community initiatives.
Despite periodic pushback for standing up for Black lives, the Freedom Arts team presses on in their mission to feed, teach and heal using the arts as a catalyst for individual and community growth. As they grow, so do their goals of continuing to provide the best resources for their youth to keep classrooms and studios vibrant with resources, and the less glamorous but critical efforts that sustain small, mighty teams like becoming ADA compliant and providing health insurance for every staff member to ensure each is cared for and resourced in this demanding work. It’s through this thoughtful, community-centered effort that Freedom Arts embodies the work they aim to empower young people to do out in the world.”
-Rachel Morgan, Arts & Education Council, July 2024
Founding Team:
Bryan Eason, Beth Gibson, Dave Holman, Sandy Weltman, Corey Williams, Dawn Yourtee, Miles Dela Cruz, Andrew Gibson.
Staff & Teaching Artists:
Bisa Adero, Pacia Anderson, Desirae Barnett, Corey Black, Kristian Blackmon, Anitra Brown, Shea Brown, Isaiah Cox, Damon Davis, Elisa Doty, AhSa-Ti Ford, Ashley Haynes, Rev. Michelle Higgins, Dr. Jelani Ince, Nabil Ince, Danielle Jackson, Grace Kenyon, Garrett Lacy, Nae Lowery, Anthony Lucius, Indigo McClain, Dominic Mendoza, Larry Morris, Mvstermind, Wes Ragland, Chelsea Ritter-Soronen, David Rogers, Megan Vega, Jon Walz, Darian Wigfall, Duane Williams, Jaime Zayas
