OUR WORK

Freedom School for Young Women of Color

Personal and Political Development

The Sista II Sista Freedom School for Young Women of Color was created in 1996 to involve young women in personal and political development through an exploration of cultural identity, community organizing, and long term relationship building. The Freedom School consists of interactive workshops, physical activities, field trips, organized action projects, and a “herstory” project. The four major components of the program are:

*Whas Da Deal? On Tha Real!
-This component uses creative activities to encourage, young women members to explore their braided identities in terms of gender, race/color, age, and class. Workshop topics include: Gender Roles, Sex and Relationships, Revolutionary Sistas, Violence Against Women, Hip Hop and Activism, and more.

*Whose Streets? Our Streets!- Community Organizing
-This component encourages young women of color to envision themselves as leaders. We collectively identify problems that affect our communities and learn how to fight to change them. Currently we are working on an organizing project focused on making both cultural and institutional change combating violence against women in Bushwick.

*My Temple, My Power!- Physical Development
-This component explores the important link between having a strong mind, strong spirit and a strong body. Workshop topics include Break-Dancing, Afro-Dominican and Yoga, Self-defense, Capoeira, Spirituality, and many others.

*Herstory, Ourstory!- Growth Through SistaHood
-Throughout the summer the young women meet to share their stories and create a collective “Herstory”. The “Herstory” piece is a creative expression project that uses a combination of creative writing, drama, dance, video, and music, which is presented to parents and community members at our annual Sista Speak benefit at the Nuyorican's Poet's Cafe.