July Newsletter
Greetings, friends. Raise your hand if this newsletter finds you in the midst of a summertime whirlwind! July has held so much, hasn’t it?
The heartbeat of summer is so quick and bright, and I love that, but I think it’s easy to get swept up in the pace of it all. I’ve had many moments in the past few weeks where I had to check in with myself—when was the last time I slowed down and took a deep breath? There are so many things I want to do, so many things I get to do, and while it might seem counterintuitive, slowing and the breathing, is actually key to all of the doing.
Speaking of how many things July has held: It’s hard to believe Freedom Schools is already in its fifth and final week of programming. Our team has been freedom dreaming future iterations of the program (another beautiful example of slowing and taking it all in before moving forward), and we’re so grateful for time spent in community with so many young people and excited to plant all of our learnings from this summer to see what grows.
I hope you’re able to find pockets of calm and safety here and there to do your own freedom dreaming as you soak up the rest of summer. When you do, I hope you can imagine us all breathing together.
**As we prepared to publish this month’s newsletter, our Seattle community was met with the heartbreaking news of the shooting tragedy at the Bite of Seattle on Sunday. We are grieving for the victims, their families, and every person impacted. We have conversations daily with our students about what makes them feel safe, connected and cared for. We know we have so much work to do as a community. We appreciate Marcus Harrision Green for again putting words to what so many of us are grappling with - that addressing gun violence cannot only begin when tragedy happens in highly visible spaces. It requires sustained investment in young people, community connection, healing, and the conditions that allow our communities to thrive. We are committed to staying rooted in these principles as we walk alongside school communities and young people this upcoming school year and beyond.
If you are a young person or connected to a young person aged 13-24 who is in need of support, the City of Seattle offers free therapy through their therapy partners. They offer culturally affirming, in-person and virtual counseling services in 1:1 and group formats, with options to receive in-language care. Get connected here.
In this newsletter:
What’s happening at Freedom Schools!
Summer Partner Highlight: Tilth Alliance
Guest Blog: Navigating Hesitations: The Journey to Restorative Practices in Education by Keiko Ozeki, Huayruro
Events and Resources
What’s happening at Freedom Schools!
Freedom Schools is in full swing, and despite an unexpected shift in programming this summer, our scholars, families, and staff have continued to build joyful, meaningful learning experiences across Rainier Beach. Due to flooding earlier this year at our normal host site, Emerson Elementary, we've brought Freedom Schools directly into our community, meeting students where they are through library programming, neighborhood pop ups, and field trips, all while staying rooted in the values that make Freedom Schools so special.
One beautiful outcome of this shift has been the opportunity to reach even more young people. So far this summer, we've served 84 scholars through our programming!
Reading at Rainier Beach! Each week, our scholars are gathering for critical literacy experiences that encourage them to explore identity, community, and collective action. During Reading at Rainier Beach, hosted at RB Branch Library, scholars are participating in literacy activities connected to weekly themes, reading in both small groups and independently, and learning how to access library resources. Last week, scholars read Homeland by Hannah Moushabeck, a story about a father sharing memories of his childhood in Palestine with his children. They reflected on their own homelands by creating artwork representing the foods, family members, clothing, and traditions that make them feel connected.
Our library days continue to remind us what the original Freedom Schools of 1964 were all about: learning as a means of survival, empowerment, and liberation.
Enrichment! This summer has also been filled with field trips that have provided many scholars with first-time experiences! On our very first field trip we visited Black Panther Park. Hosted by Nurturing Roots Farm, scholars learned about how the park came to be and through exploration of the vibrant murals at the park learned the history of Seattle's Black Panther Party and the legacy of Aaron Dixon. Scholars also learned and practiced how to trim, weed and forage. Our visit ended with a honey sampling, assembling herbal tea bags to take home and Ms. Naima’s signature Stevia tea!
Scholars have also explored ecosystems and conservation efforts through a visit to Woodland Park Zoo and Seahurst Park. We've also enjoyed a community screening of The Wild Robot at The Beacon, a film centered on the power of community!
Resource Distribution! One of our big goals this summer has been to support our families holistically. Alongside literacy and enrichment activities, we've distributed more than 450 bags of fresh locally grown produce, 600 hot meals, canned goods, toiletries, books, and other essential resources to families. Sharing dinner together before programming and ensuring families leave with food and supplies has remained an important part of creating spaces where our community feels supported and connected.
Our neighborhood pop ups have been a wonderful way for us to meet scholars after they get off the bus from their day of summer school, and support their afternoon and evening with sustenance and activities. It’s been really beautiful to playfully engage with scholars indoors with art and outdoors with games! We’ve been battling the summer heat, so one scholar favorite was the sponge water relay, where each team would run to squeeze all the water in their sponge into a cup on the other side of the field. The first team to fill up their cup won, and then at the end we had a mini sponge water fight to cool off. Outside time has felt especially sacred for scholars because they have invited us into their home play space; we’ve been able to join alongside them with some structured activities, snacks, and hydration.
As we head into the final week of programming, we're incredibly grateful for our scholars, families, educators, volunteers, and partners who continue to make Freedom Schools a place where bellies are full, minds are thinking, bodies are moving, and young people are reminded every day that they are powerful.
Summer Partner Highlight: Tilth Alliance
Community-based resource distribution has been a key aspect of our Freedom Schools programming this summer, and we have Tilth Alliance to thank for that! This month we want to spotlight community partner Tilth Alliance– did you know their Rainier Beach Urban Farm & Wetland (Seattle’s largest urban farm) is where we sourced our fresh produce this summer? Fresh veggies, berries, and more, delivered straight to families in the neighborhood!
Fierce advocates for food justice, Tilth Alliance strives to improve access and affordability of nutritious, locally grown food for folks no matter where they live. Just as Freedom Schools is all about reimagining non-traditional spaces as sites for literacy development, Tilth treats farms, gardens and kitchens as classrooms to partner with community members of all ages, sharing knowledge about our ecosystem, sustainable agriculture, and policy.
Tilth Alliance officially came to be in 2016, but the organization has deep roots in sustainable farming practices dating back to 1974. In 2017, Tilth Alliance received funding for the program, Culturally Relevant Plan Starts, collaborating with immigrant and refugee community members to research and grow edible plants. That same year the Rainier Beach Urban Farm & Wetlands (RBUFW) was developed into what it is today– an 8-acre community hub for organic food production and distribution, environmental education and wetlands restoration co-operated by Friends of Rainier Beach Urban Farm & Wetlands and Tilth Alliance.
While you can get food from RBUFW through their community supported agriculture (CSA) program and community kitchen dinners, perhaps most notable, is their Farm Stand and “U-pick” areas. The Farm Stand runs every Thursday June 18th - September 24th 2-6pm and you can find fresh fruits, veggies, herbs, flowers, and other locally grown produce.
“We use a self-identified sliding scale to ensure that healthy, nutritious, affordable food is available to everyone in our community. If you need support to stretch your grocery budget, we offer up to $10 in free produce. We also accept donations from customers who would like to pay it forward and support this benefit for their neighbors.”
Along with the $10 free produce discount, you can use cash/credit/debit, EBT, Fresh Bucks, Senior Farmers Market Nutrition Program benefits and SNAP Market Match.
We also wanted to highlight Tilth Alliance’s Rainier Beach Youth Steward Program which brings professional wetland restoration and farm education experience to youth aged 14-18. Through this program, youth are able to participate in all kinds of farm activities, from the physical planting and harvesting of food, to learning about the ways farms and wetlands are managed, to working the farm stand. The farm also offers plenty of classes and volunteer opportunities for more hands-on learning experiences for community members, and welcomes beginners and experts alike.
We’re so grateful to be partnered with Tilth Alliance this summer and we hope you’re able to get involved in their diverse program offerings and join the sustainable food movement!
Navigating Hesitations: The Journey to Restorative Practices in Education
by Keiko Ozeki, Huayruro
"Before we talk about circles, let's talk about our approach to community and conflict. Do we, as a staff, agree to move toward a framework rooted in high accountability, high support, and mutual respect?"
As schools increasingly adopt restorative practices, how do we address the hesitations that arise among staff members? There is a growing emphasis on utilizing circle processes for community building and conflict resolution. However, some individuals remain hesitant to engage in these circles, often concerned that such participation prioritizes feelings over actionable solutions. This perception can lead to resentment towards the circle process—especially when participation is mandatory for professional development.
Read Keiko’s full blog post below:
Community Events & Resources
Umoja Fest 2026 | Africatown Heritage Festival & Parade:
Saturday August 1st, 12-8PM & Sunday August 2nd 12-7PM | Judkins Park
Umoja Fest is one of Seattle’s most vibrant celebrations of Black excellence, creativity, and entrepreneurship. Honoring Seattle’s Black community’s rich and historic heritage.
The purpose of the festival and parade is to highlight the history and countless contributions of African-Americans locally, regionally, nationally and internationally. It is a celebration that gives people for all over Washington and the northwest an opportunity to experience the rich African heritage and culture of the region.
“Umoja” is a Swahili word which means “unity”, is the main theme of the festival. An artistic and cultural extravaganza that uniquely touches the spirit of the community, the Umoja Fest has historically been the most unifying celebration in the community, bringing people of all ethnic backgrounds together for a celebration of culture, education, social festivities and networking. Event highlights include the African Heritage Parade, Children’s Day, African Drum & Dance, Jazz, Soul, Reggae, Spoken Word & Poetry, Hip-Hop Fest, Basketball Tournament, Fitness Demonstrations, Gospel Fest, Voter Registration, Vendor Marketplace & Community Resource Fair.
Parade takes place on August 1st at 1pm. Starts at South on 23rd & CherryEnds at 23rd & Jackson.
This event is FREE and open to the public.
Pack It Forward | School Supply Drive | Solid Ground:
Donate by August 13th | DONATE HERE
Every kid deserves to feel excited about the first day of school. But as costs keep rising, so does financial stress for families across Solid Ground programs as the summer ends – especially for families impacted by homelessness or domestic violence. When kids can't find the new supplies they need for school, that excitement can turn into worry.
Pack It Forward: is a donation drive to provide youth living at Solid Ground's Sand Point Housing and Broadview Shelter & Transitional Housing with the tools they need to succeed this school year.
Your support provides backpacks, school supplies, clothes, snacks, and other essentials that help students start the school year with confidence. Find out how you can contribute to a student's success on our website: link in bio.
Help them reach their goal by August 13: DONATE HERE
Day of Service | Solid Ground :
Friday, August 21, 9am-12pm
Join us for Solid Ground’s 3rd annual Day of Service – a morning of hands-on projects rooted in care, connection, and collective action. Volunteers will support one of the three project sites described below.
Solid Ground Transportation (SGT) provides ACCESS bus service to people who can’t use Metro’s fixed-route system, connecting riders to essential health, human services, and community resources. Our fully accessible vehicles deliver curb-to-curb and door-to-door rides 24 hours a day, seven days a week, helping neighbors stay connected to the people and services they need.
Volunteers will meet at the SGT Hub in South Park (8100 8th Ave S, Seattle, WA 98108) for coffee and pastries before helping clean and care for our fleet of buses.
Solid Ground’s Sand Point Housing campus is home to more than 400 people. It provides permanent supportive housing, affordable housing, and onsite services for families and individuals who’ve experienced homelessness. Since 1999, thousands of people have found stability and community at Sand Point.
Volunteers will gather near campus (6801 62nd Ave NE, Seattle, WA 98115) for coffee and pastries before partnering with Seattle Parks and Recreation to help beautify the surrounding Magnuson Park. All tools and instructions will be provided.
Giving Garden at Marra Farm has grown thousands of pounds of fresh, organic produce each year for neighbors across southwest Seattle. The food harvested supports local food banks, meal programs, health clinics, and other community organizations, ensuring that healthy, culturally relevant food stays in the community.
Volunteers will meet at the Giving Garden (9026 4th Ave S, Seattle, WA 98108) for coffee and pastries before helping with seasonal projects such as planting, weeding, composting, watering, harvesting, and preparing produce for distribution. We’ll also help prune, mulch, and maintain parts of the surrounding Marra-Desimone Park.
Whether you’re volunteering with family, friends, coworkers, or on your own, you’ll help care for the places and programs that support our community every day. Bring your community! Change is built by many hands. Invite your friends, family members, coworkers, or neighbors to join you for a morning of service and connection. Together, we can help build a community where everyone has the opportunity to thrive. Questions? Contact:volunteers@solid-ground.org
Register HERE
The Neverending Cookout | WA NA WARI :
Free food served family style. | Tuesday’s and Thursday’s 6-8pm.
Love Offering is now “The Neverending Cookout” - a community meal program that provides free-of-cost African diasporic and Native American-inspired cuisine, prepared by Black/Indigenous chefs, two days a week.
Food brings us together. Food is how we celebrate and how we support our grief. Come sit at the table with us. We will also have rotating activations that include art making, music, movies organizing and more.
Learn more at: https://www.wanawari.org/meals
Free Therapy for Seattle Teens | City of Seattle:
The City of Seattle is proud to provide access to free mental health care for young people in Seattle. These resources are designed to create accessible options for youth to receive care in the best ways for their mental wellness needs.
Youth ages 13 to 24 can find support now with free therapy through one of our partners. Our partners offer culturally affirming, in-person and virtual counseling services in 1:1 and group formats, with options to receive in-language care.
Get Connected at: https://seattle.gov/education/for-parents/youth-mental-health
Free Summer Meals | City of Seattle
Free summer meal sites are open across Seattle! Get some free meals and snacks through August 21 across Seattle for youth 18 and under. Check hours before you go! No registration or ID required.
Breakfast offered at:
Langston Hughes Performing Arts Center
Solid Ground @ Sand Point
Beacon Hill Playground, and
Praisealujah
Lunch offered at most locations
Snacks offered at most locations
Full schedule and more summer meal resources HERE.
Enter your address or Zip code to get connected to resources in your area HERE.
