Children are supposed to enjoy their lives

What did you do over summer break? It’s a common question for students getting ready to head back to school, and thousands of young scholars who were enrolled in Children’s Defense Fund (CDF) Freedom Schools® summer enrichment programs will have stories to tell from this year’s National Day of Social Action.

- Marian Wright Edelman

Every July, students in grades K-12 at CDF Freedom Schools sites across the country take part in a special day to advocate for a critical issue affecting children’s lives. This year focused on gun violence, and many scholars got to attend marches, rallies, and meetings with legislators where they were able to share their own stories about how gun violence affects them and their communities. They were able to see the power of collective action, gained valuable experience in speaking up in front of new audiences, and learned the key CDF Freedom Schools principle that children are never too young to make a difference.

In New York, CDF Freedom Schools scholars rallied and marched at City Hall Park, where their call for adults to protect children, not guns, was also a demand for their own right and freedom to live joyfully. One scholar put it this way as she stepped up to the microphone: “We should be able to walk the streets and have a good time at the park without being worried about getting shot or getting hurt…I think it’s unfair to all the kids and all the parents who have suffered through these shootings. It’s not fair. Kids are supposed to enjoy their life.” The scholars took part in a loud call and response: “What do we want?” “JOY!” “When do we want it?” “NOW!”