Sounds of Freedom: Beats on Concrete is a collection of student writing inspired by the sounds and lyrics that have sharpened visions of freedom throughout generations.
Beginning in February 2019, 826LA partnered with two teachers at Manual Arts High School and their classes to write personal essays guided by the question, “What makes you feel free?” Using their own music selections to create the Freedom Mixtape, this year’s authors wrote how freedom or the journey to find freedom impacts their lives.
In spirit with the Mississippi Freedom Schools created in 1964, and their approach to invigorate critical and creative thinking by bringing music into curriculum, students wrote with their headphones on and their pencils moving to the beats of their freedom song. They delved into a legacy of artists, from Nina Simone to Kendrick Lamar, to learn from artists that write about freedom in rhyme and across decades.
At the end of the project, students compiled a professionally published book designed by verynice in Los Angeles, comprised of personal essays that resounds with their tenacious pursuits and visions.
1 Review
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Sounds of Freedom
What a talented group of young adults. Seeing the world through their eyes and the experiences that have moulded who they are and the decisions they make is heartwarming to read. I love their honesty and the insight they give on what it is like growing up as immigrants, or in families that might be broken, friendships that change through the years and what it is like to walk in their shoes as they navigate life. I can relate to them on so many levels and would encourage others to read this book. I think our future looks bright! Such a great compilation of writings. Loved each and every one of them!
