The Awakening Educator: Freedom Schools

The Awakening Educator: A podcast by educators for anyone who care about schools. Join Co-hosts Susan & Megan as they interview Dr. Macheo Payne. Dr. Macheo Payne is a renowned educator, social worker and activist, Macheo has over 20 years experience working with Oakland’s children, youth and families, and as an Oakland native he has deep roots to the community. Macheo’s work with Freedom Schools, a Children’s Defense Fund’s summer program, rooted in the Mississippi Freedom Summer project of 1964, this six-week summer literacy and cultural enrichment program is designed to serve children and youth in grades K–12 in communities where quality academic enrichment programming is limited, too expensive, or non-existent. Macheo served as a Freedom Schools Executive Director from 2012-2018. He has been the driving force in bringing Freedom Schools to hundreds of Oakland children. Each Freedom Schools program provides culturally relevant summer literacy curriculum, which empowers scholars and youth by focusing on five essential components: High Quality Academic Instruction: Inter-Generational Impact: Parent & Family Involvement: Social Action & Civic Engagement: Nutrition & Health