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Philadelphia Freedom Schools, built for Black children, tackle literacy and love

“My entire career, I’ve been chasing my childhood,” said Sharif El-Mekki, who spent his formative years as a student at a small Philadelphia Freedom School.

Teens and children come together during Harambee -- a ceremony to welcome students to Freedom Schools Literacy Academy Harrity in West Philadelphia. Formal Freedom Schools date back to the 1960s in the U.S. South.
Teens and children come together during Harambee -- a ceremony to welcome students to Freedom Schools Literacy Academy Harrity in West Philadelphia. Formal Freedom Schools date back to the 1960s in the U.S. South.Read moreALEJANDRO A. ALVAREZ / Staff Photographer
    by Kristen A. Graham
    Updated 
    Published