Guest author, Yaasiyn Muhammad, M.Ed.

In the summer of 2009, just after earning my Master’s Degree in Secondary Education, I began working for a summer camp run by a local non-profit. There, I taught Black students about endangered species, HBCUs, The Divine Nine, and media literacy, and experienced my first Harambee, a morning ritual celebrating community through songs, dances, and chants. This marked the start of my career in education, which has since included teaching in Philadelphia Public Schools, working as a Social Studies Curriculum Specialist, and now serving as an Assistant Principal.

This spring, seeking additional funds for my family, I applied to be a Site Lead for The Center for Black Educator Development’s Freedom School Literacy Academy (FSLA) summer program. The experience was rewarding far beyond the extra income. After my first day of training, I shared with my wife how amazing it was to work in a space with Black colleagues committed to Black joy, empowerment, and excellence. This was a refreshing change from previous professional environments. My daily work with scholars, apprentices, and the apprentice coaches allowed me to model these values while building meaningful relationships with the Mighty Duckrey community.

Through this work, I learned that treating students and their families as beloved community members fosters deep commitment. Parents provided pizza lunches and cupcakes to celebrate our program, and many expressed eagerness for their children to return next summer. I realized that FSLA was not only an early literacy summer camp, but a teacher apprenticeship program as well. Working with Servant Leader and Junior Servant Leader Apprentices was crucial for the mission of cultivating high-quality Black teachers. These teacher apprentices gained valuable experience in lesson planning, relationship-building, receiving feedback and growth goals, as well as a wide range of professional development, while experiencing the joy of student success. FSLA prepares the next generation of Black teachers while educating 1st through 3rd graders.

As I prepare for the new school year with my high schoolers, I still find myself leading chants and singing the theme song with my family. The experience of leading Harambee fifteen years ago and mere days ago, along with the work of leading children and young apprentices has reinvigorated my commitment to bringing Black joy, empowerment, and excellence to every aspect of my work. It has been an honor to contribute to the decades-long tradition of Freedom Schools and to make a small impact on this revolutionary program.

Yaasiyn Muhammad, M.Ed.
Site Lead, Duckrey Elementary School