Meet the Village - Advisory Board

Not New To This but rather True To This ...

Alexis Thomas

Executive Vice Chair - Human Resources

The CMFSS will allow our scholars the opportunity to find a sense of "freedom" in school that is different from what they experience during the regular school year. By using all and response, motivational music, and an emphasis on social action and family interaction, our students will be empowered and engaged through civil service. They will be encouraged to think and act politically, and to explore their creative impulses.

Karen Lawrence-Webster, CPA

Executive Vice Chair - Finance

I am a student advocate and starting a freedom school in Saginaw is my way of supporting our youth and bring the joy back into their learning experiences through modeling behavior and teaching life skill that result in socially forward members of our society.

Beverly Drake

Executive Secretary

Freedom School is a great way to continue Mr. McNair’s legacy and strong desire to educate young people and help them to reach their potential, while uplifting their families and communities as part of that process.

Rev. Dennis Laffoon

Site Advisory Board Member

The function of education is to teach one thing intensively and to thing critically. Intelligence plus character - that is the goal.

- Martin Luther King Jr.

Rev. Joshua Daniels

Site Advisory Board Member

This initiative empowers students to take ownership of their education and fosters a sense of pride in their identities, preparing them to to become socially Katie and engaged citizens. I am proud to volunteer and be part of this transformative movement.

Dr. Peggie Hall

Site Location Representative

As an educator, I believe in the power of collaborative effort and community engagement. The Charles McNair Freedom School of Saginaw provides an opportunity to achieve both.

Dr. Ericka Taylor

Testing Support

Cultural awareness and pride are important to the wellbeing of our students and I am honored to be part of a team that will work together to impart this to the students in our community.

James Perry

Servant Leader Support

Freedom school will encourage students and adults to make a difference, enjoy life and reach for the stars.

Dr. David Lewis

Enrichment Support

I support Freedom School because of its genuine, authentic approach to uplifting, empowering, and educating children in the community.

Dr. Shalanda Ellison

Mount Olive Institutional Missionary Baptist Church

Site Representative

As a dedicated educator with 27 years of experience, I am a strong advocate for the belief that all children can learn when provided with the right opportunities, resources, and meaningful connections to the materials and teaching methods. Freedom School embodies this philosophy by allowing students to engage with content that is culturally relevant, thereby enhancing their understanding and appreceiate of what they are learning.

Sandra Crosby Robinson

Parent Support

Freedom school is an opportunity for growth because it says, "Yes, while developing skills and exploring opportunities.

Fiduciary

The Saginaw African Cultural Festival, Inc., a 501(c)3 non-profit organization, is the fiduciary for the Charles McNair Freedom School of Saginaw. Each site hold its own liability insurance and the festival has a rider for the six week freedom school.