Tag Archives: WA-BLOC

Empowered Minds Unleashed: ILPS’ Solidarity School and WA-BLOC’s Summer Freedom Schools

Local activists and organizers subvert classic approaches to education.

by Victor Simoes


The International League of Peoples’ Struggle (ILPS) Solidarity School and Washington Building Leaders of Change (WA-BLOC) Freedom Schools are redefining the learning experience offered by academic institutions. Organized by a collaboration of passionate educators, grassroots organizations, and community effort, these two programs extend the educational journey beyond the standardized curriculum, drawing inspiration from the historic Freedom Schools of the Civil Rights Movement. 

Continue reading Empowered Minds Unleashed: ILPS’ Solidarity School and WA-BLOC’s Summer Freedom Schools

DEEL-Funded Free South End Summer Programs That Are Still Enrolling

by Ari Robin McKenna


After two of the most harrowing school years most people can remember, this summer holds promise for South End’s youth to be kids, enjoy themselves, and have powerful experiences shared with others their age.

Continue reading DEEL-Funded Free South End Summer Programs That Are Still Enrolling

With the School Year Approaching, Serious Barriers to Education Persist Among South Seattle Students

by Carolyn Bick


Rainier Beach High School freshman Fatima Kabba says it’s really hard for her to learn from home, even with a good internet connection.

“Sometimes, it’s pretty hard, because you can’t find, like, a quiet space to do your work,” Kabba said. “And sometimes there’s other people with different classes, and sometimes you might share the same room with your siblings, so it might be hard for you to concentrate. If we did have online classes, imagine having seven siblings, each one [on] a device — and you’re probably in separate rooms, but you’re going to hear their noises.”

Continue reading With the School Year Approaching, Serious Barriers to Education Persist Among South Seattle Students

Local Businesses Band With Organizers to “Feed the Beach” During Shutdowns

by Erin Okuno, columnist


Just a few days ago, Governor Jay Inslee announced schools were closing for weeks to help contain and keep Coronavirus from impacting more of our family and friends. The first thought on many people’s minds was “how would kids get food?” Along with the academic and social-emotional lessons it provides, many students rely upon school for a nutritious breakfast and lunch during the week. As colleagues and friends processed the sudden change in the lives of our students, many started to think about how to keep their kids fed. Continue reading Local Businesses Band With Organizers to “Feed the Beach” During Shutdowns

South End Organizations Step up to Feed Students in Need During COVID-19 Closures

by Carolyn Bick


In a normal week, kids who rely on schools for their meals know they’ll  receive breakfast and lunch on any given school day. On the weekends, those who need to may take home backpacks of food or ingredients for themselves and their families. Continue reading South End Organizations Step up to Feed Students in Need During COVID-19 Closures

A Day at Freedom School: How Could Other Education Models Transform Our Public Schools?

by Guy Oron

On a hot Thursday summer morning in a church in South Beacon Hill, I joined about 40 people of all ages, from youth to elders, to learn about racism. Organized by Youth Undoing Institutional Racism (YUIR), which is affiliated with the People’s Institute for Survival and Beyond, Tyree Scott Freedom School is a five-day summer camp, primarily for youth and young adults of color, which focuses on community organizing, learning a deeper analysis about racism and systems of oppression, and undoing racism in our society.

Continue reading A Day at Freedom School: How Could Other Education Models Transform Our Public Schools?

Social Worker Turns Birthday Party Into Battle for Dodge Ball Supremacy

by Marcus Harrison Green

Mahogany Villars’ plans for her 30th birthday are about as orthodox as they come. This Saturday’s festivities include longtime friends, adoring family, and booming dance music.  Oh, and there’s also that whole spending several hours darting feverishly around a gymnasium while avoiding an onslaught of 6 pound rubber balls targeting her head thing. Continue reading Social Worker Turns Birthday Party Into Battle for Dodge Ball Supremacy