CDF Freedom Schools® scholars will participate in the event as part of the organization’s National Day of Social Action, a nationwide initiative that equips young people to engage in social and civic activism.
Media Contact: Emanuell Williams, ewilliams@childrensdefense.org, CDF-MN Youth Development Senior Manager (on-site contact); John Henry, jhenry@childrensdefense.org, CDF Media Relations Manager, 708-646-7679
SAINT PAUL, MN—On Wednesday, July 23, more than 1,800 young people will gather alongside Children’s Defense Fund-Minnesota (CDF-MN) at the Minnesota State Capitol to rally in support of public education.
Local CDF Freedom Schools scholars will stand together to raise their voices and send a clear message to lawmakers in Saint Paul and Washington, D.C. that public education is a public good. At 10 a.m., CDF Freedom Schools scholars will march from St. Paul College to the Upper Mall of the Minnesota State Capitol. There, they will take part in a public Q&A session with several state lawmakers before participating in the world’s loudest Harambee celebration.
Scholars will range in age from 6 to 17.
This event comes in the wake of recent efforts by federal officials and lawmakers in Washington, D.C., to dismantle the U.S. Department of Education (DOE). The DOE provides essential services to more than 50 million children across the nation, including Minnesota. Last week, Minnesota Education Commissioner Willie Jett told MPR News school funding frozen by the Trump administration intended for public schools nationwide, including in Minnesota, is “massive.”
Wednesday’s event at the Minnesota Capitol is part of CDF Freedom Schools’ larger National Day of Social Action (NDSA), which encourages young people to engage in displays of social and civic activism. Every summer, young people participating in the CDF Freedom Schools program receive culturally relevant literacy education to avoid summer learning loss at organizational partner sites based in schools, churches, and various community centers. CDF Freedom Schools scholars from our partners at Friendship Academy of the Arts, Lutheran Social Service of Minnesota, Minneapolis Public Schools, North St. Paul-Maplewood-Oakdale ISD 622, Plymouth Christian Youth Center, Robbinsdale Area Schools, Saint Paul Public Schools, Science Museum of Minnesota, and White Bear Lake ISD 624 will be present at Wednesday’s event.
“Every child deserves access to a strong public education,” said CDF-MN State Director Alisha Porter. “It’s the key to ensuring all children in our state can grow up with dignity, hope, and joy, no matter where they live.”
CDF-MN Youth Development Senior Manager Emanuell Williams added Wednesday’s effort could lead to lasting change that impacts the entire state.
“On this year’s National Day of Social Action, we stand together to speak out for the future of public education,” he said. “Real change begins when we raise our voices and push for policies that uplift every student. That’s what we want to model for our scholars; your voice matters now. You don’t need to wait until you are older to speak up for the change you need.”