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Latest News

See our latest announcements and read about what we’ve been up to in our community.

For press inquiries, please contact info@1619freedomschool.org.

Match 15, 2025

KWWL covers 1619 Freedom School's African American Read-In in Waterloo

Pulitzer prize-winning journalist and Iowa native Nikole Hannah-Jones hosted a Read-In at West High School attracting more than 900 attendees. The event featured readings from nationally-acclaimed children's book authors,

March 5, 2025

The 1619 Freedom School hosting a community-wide African American Read-In

Nikole Hannah-Jones’s 1619 Freedom School to host a free, community-wide event in her hometown with nationally acclaimed authors after the local school district cancelled its African-American Read-In to comply with new federal directives.

February 17, 2025

The 1619 Freedom School to host Academy Award®-nominated Nickel Boys for community screening

Academy Award® - nominated writer/director RaMell Ross will be in Waterloo for a and a free community screening of Nickel Boys, the acclaimed film based on Colson Whitehead’s Pulitzer Prize-winning novel, in Waterloo, Iowa March 13.

February 27, 2024

The 1619 Freedom School is helping improve reading scores for 4th and 5th graders throughout the Waterloo Community School District

Iowa Public Radio’s feature on the 1619 Freedom School highlights the program's impact on its scholars and district students across Waterloo.

December 1, 2023

Making Reading Relevant: Black History Improves Literacy Skills

For one community-led program, the formula to strengthen reading skills is straightforward: Teach young students their own history. The 1619 Freedom School, an independent after-school program for Black and low-income readers in Waterloo, Iowa, aims to raise students' literacy skills by celebrating the local and national histories of Black Americans.

September 12, 2023

The 1619 Freedom School Receives Largest Single-Year Grant Award from TruStage Foundation to Empower Waterloo Students

The 1619 Freedom School is thrilled to announce the awarding of two grants from prestigious foundations committed to high-quality, affirming education.

June 21, 2023

KWWL interview about the importance of celebrating Juneteenth

The 1619 Freedom School launched its Liberation Library as part of Waterloo's weekend celebration of Juneteenth.

January 16, 2023

LatinoUSA podcast features Nikole Hannah-Jones and the 1619 Freedom School

Waterloo, IA: Veteran journalist Maria Hinojosa sat down with 1619 Freedom School co-founder and board president, Nikole Hannah-Jones for a comprehensive interview about giving back to her hometown of Waterloo, why the community needs the 1619 Freedom School

March 8, 2022

Inside the effort to make this city a better place for its Black residents

The 1619 Freedom School is one of several resident-driven projects in Waterloo, Iowa. It launched at a challenging time — or possibly just the right one.

December 7th, 2021

The 1619 Freedom School is proud to have received a grant from the Otto Schoitz Foundation

The 1619 Freedom School has been selected as a grant recipient from the Otto Schoitz Foundation, a Waterloo-based philanthropic organization dedicated to improving the health and wellbeing of all individuals in the Cedar Valley.

September 28th, 2021

Michael Jordan and Jordan Brand Announce Grant to 1619 Freedom School

The 1619 Freedom School announced that it has been selected as an inaugural recipient of a Community Grant from Michael Jordan and the Jordan Brand as part of its Black Community Commitment Grant Program.

September 8, 2021

Nikole Hannah-Jones launching 1619 Freedom School in Waterloo

WATERLOO — Pulitzer Prize-winning journalist Nikole Hannah-Jones is launching a free, community-based after-school literacy program in her hometown with the help of local educators.

September 3, 2021

1619 Freedom School Co-Director Sheritta Stokes Speaks to Marc Lamont-Hill

Marc Lamont Hill interviews 1619 Freedom School curriculum coordinator Sheritta Stokes.

September 1, 2021

1619 Freedom School Launch Release

Waterloo, IA: Pulitzer Prize-winning journalist Nikole Hannah-Jones is launching the “1619 Freedom School” in her hometown of Waterloo, Iowa with a team of Waterloo educators and community leaders.

September 1, 2021

Pulitzer-winning journalist Nikole Hannah-Jones opening after-school program,'1619 Freedom School,' in Waterloo

Pulitzer prize-winning journalist and Iowa native Nikole Hannah-Jones is launching a free, community-based after-school literacy program for students in the Waterloo Community School District.

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