Rdale CDF Freedom School celebrates National Day of Social Action

Fueled by purpose and undeterred by heat or rain, 100 students from Robbinsdale Area School’s (Rdale) CDF Freedom Schools rallied alongside students from 11 other Minnesota Freedom Schools programs at the Minnesota State Capitol, joining a national movement to affirm that public education is a public good worth fighting for.

As part of the 2025 National Day of Social Action on Wednesday, July 23, students from Rdale’s Freedom School stood alongside youth across the nation to advocate for strong, equitable investment in public schools. This year’s theme—Education for Civic Life and Work—echoed the Children’s Defense Fund’s (CDF) longstanding mission to advance justice through education.

“Our Freedom School scholars are powerful reminders of what's possible when we invest in public education. When our scholars stand up and speak out in support of public education, they embody our mission,” said Tony Patterson, Rdale’s Assistant Director of Achievement and Integration. “They are developing their unique voices and using them to advocate for equity, justice, and opportunity—not only for themselves, but for their peers and future generations. That’s the power of public education.”

As part of the rally, students marched from St. Paul College to the Upper Mall of the Minnesota State Capitol, where they took part in a public Q and A session with several state lawmakers and participated in Harambee. Harambee, meaning "all pull together" in Swahili, is the daily opening activity at Freedom Schools during which scholars sing, dance, cheer, and get excited for a day of learning.

“Some of my favorite things about Freedom Schools are getting to learn more about my culture and different cultures that I didn’t know much about before,” said Rdale sixth grader Aleena. “Being at the Capitol today is definitely different, but it’s a really nice experience.”

CDF Freedom Schools provides summer and after-school enrichment through a research-based and multicultural program model that supports K-12 scholars and their families through five essential components. These programs focus on high-quality academic and character-building enrichment, parent and family involvement, civic engagement and social action, intergenerational servant leadership development, nutrition, health, and mental health. 

With a goal of encouraging scholars to believe in their ability and responsibility to make a difference, scholars are provided with culturally relevant pedagogy and high-quality books to deepen their understanding of themselves and all they have in common with others in a multiracial, multicultural democratic society.