For Immediate Release
September 28th, 2021
Contact Person:
Sheritta Stokes, 1619 Freedom School- sstokes@1619freedomschool.org
Pete Haviland-Eduah, Jordan Brand- pete.havilandeduah@nike.com
Michael Jordan and Jordan Brand Announce Grant to 1619 Freedom School
Funding Will Be Used for Student Supplies and Instruction Materials
The 1619 Freedom School announced that it has been selected as an inaugural recipient of a Community Grant from Michael Jordan and the Jordan Brand as part of its Black Community Commitment Grant Program. The funding will be used for school and student materials including school supplies and books selected for the school’s custom literacy curriculum.
“We received hundreds of applications for Community Grants, and every single one of them was a reminder of the unique impact and powerful personal connections local community efforts can make happen. Making a decision on the first cycle of 18 organizations selected was certainly not easy.” said Craig Williams, President, Jordan Brand, “We are thrilled to not only stand behind them, but based on the volume of applications received, we look forward to continuing to offer this program each year in support of local grassroots efforts that create real, meaningful change for people and communities.”
“Our team is grateful for this honor and recognition from Michael Jordan and the Jordan Brand,” said Sheritta Stokes, co-director and curriculum coordinator for the 1619 Freedom School. “We’re excited to work with Waterloo’s children and families to improve their literacy and reading skills and instill in them a powerful sense of pride. We will be able to use this funding to ensure our students have everything they need to succeed with us, in school and in their communities.”
About the Jordan Brand Black Community Commitment: Michael Jordan and the Jordan Brand are committed to leading sustainable and impactful change to end systemic racism for the Black Community.
Through the 10-year, $100 million Black Community Commitment, Michael Jordan and the Jordan Brand identified three main focus areas that are critical to improving outcomes for Black Americans in the following areas: Social Justice, Education & Awareness and Economic Justice.
The Community Grants program provides micro-funding grant awards to grassroots non-profit organizations with a total operating budget under $3 Million with proven track records of success and demonstrated paths to sustainable change.
Click here for more information on the fight to end systemic racism and here to access the funding application.
About 1619 Freedom School: The 1619 Freedom School is a free, community-based, after-school literacy program where students improve literacy skills and develop a love for reading through liberating instruction centered on 400 years of Black American history. The Freedom School's vision is "Liberation through Literacy." The custom-designed curriculum combines intensive literacy intervention and small group instruction with Black studies. For more information, visit the school’s website at 1619freedomschool.org.