Mark Kohan knows how to bring people together. Though still a doctoral student in educational studies at the
University of Cincinnati, Kohan has spent the last year planning a regional effort to inspire social justice in classrooms, schools and communities.
Earlier this month, his work to unite universities and community organizations around those efforts culminated with a visit from the nationally known
Freedom Writers, led by teacher Erin Gruwell of California. Gruwell's work in and out of the classroom became the basis for the 2007 film "Freedom Writers," starring Hilary Swank.
Gruwell, a high-school English teacher, became known for her work with inner-city youth - groups of students who had been at best underestimated and at worst written off completely. Gruwell's efforts to expose her students to stories of empowerment and individual responsibility led to the formation of the foundation that now provides support to teachers and students around the country.
Kohan pulled together a broad coalition to support the Freedom Writers visit during the 50th anniversary year of the
Freedom Riders as a way to build momentum for Teaching Hope, an initiative that will launch in Cincinnati schools next fall.
"The goal of Teaching Hope is to call attention to how schools can be involved in making social justice a priority for the health and well-being of our region," according to Kohan, who served as coordinator for the Cincinnati Freedom Writers Project.
He crossed institutional boundaries by partnering with
Xavier and
Miami universities, brought in non-profit support with the
Center for Holocaust and Humanity Education, the
National Underground Railroad Freedom Center,
Women Writing for (a) Change and the
Public Library of Cincinnati & Hamilton County.
From visits to schools and with teachers throughout the day to a sold-out session with educational leaders and fans at the Freedom Center, six events throughout the day drew more than 700 enthusiastic educators and supporters. The Cincinnati Freedom Writers Project capitalized on the passion of educators and leaders to work toward social justice in and out of the classroom.
Do Good:• Learn about the partners. From
Women Writing for (a) Change to the s
http://cincinnatilibrary.org, you can find countless opportunities to get involved with social justice education.
•
Join the movement. Sign up to receive newsletters and other updates from the national Freedom Writers Foundation.
• See how you can help Teach Hope.
Email Mark Kohan at UC for more information.
By Elissa Yancey Photo courtesy of Cincinnati Freedom Writers
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