The Real Story of America.

The Eddie J. Carthan Freedom School Institute is a truth-centered educational platform dedicated to teaching the histories, systems, laws, policies, movements, and untold stories that shaped America and continue to impact communities today.

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Through online courses, fellowships, civil rights tours, timelines, documentaries, discussions, books, museums, primary sources, and community engagement, we challenge learners to think critically, learn deeply, and use their gifts to help build stronger communities.

Because freedom requires education, participation, and action.

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​​Join the Movement

• Online Courses

• Freedom Summer Programs

• Civil Rights Tours

• Fellowship Programs

• Community Discussions

• Historical Timelines

• Resource Library

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ABOUT THE INSTITUTE

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Our Mission

The Eddie J. Carthan Freedom School Institute exists to educate, empower, and inspire people to critically examine the untold histories, systems, policies, laws, and movements that shaped America and continue to impact communities today.

We believe history is not simply about the past — it is a tool for understanding the present and building the future.

Our mission is to reclaim stories that were ignored, distorted, or erased; uplift the voices of scholars, activists, organizers, and everyday people; and equip learners with the knowledge, critical thinking skills, and civic awareness necessary to create meaningful change.

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The Institute is committed to:

• Teaching history through timelines, laws, policies, court cases, movements, and lived experiences

• Centering humanity, dignity, resilience, and truth

• Encouraging civic engagement, leadership, and community action

• Promoting lifelong learning and intellectual curiosity

• Inspiring individuals to use their gifts, talents, voices, professions, creativity, and influence in service of justice, freedom, and community empowerment

We believe education should not only inform people — it should move people to action.

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WHY THE FREEDOM SCHOOL INSTITUTE?

Learn Beyond the Textbook

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Many people were never taught the full story of America.

This Institute was created to explore:

• African civilizations before slavery

• The creation of race-based laws and systems

• Reconstruction and Black political power

• Jim Crow laws and segregation

• Voting rights and voter suppression

• The role of media and propaganda

• Black resistance and organizing

• Economic systems and inequality

• Mississippi history and civil rights movements

• Community leadership and civic engagement

• Modern-day policies and their impact today​

 

We use:

• Timelines

• Historical documents

• Court cases

• Speeches

• Interviews

• YouTube videos

• Museums

• Primary sources

• Recommended books and websites

• Reflection and discussion questions

• Quizzes and community engagement

• Direct Action

Because learning should be interactive, thoughtful, and transformational.

 

FEATURED COURSE

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What They Didn’t Teach You:

The Real Story of America

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Course Description

This foundational course explores the untold histories, systems, laws, policies, and key events that shaped America.

Students will examine:

• African civilizations before slavery

• The development of race-based slavery

• The laws and policies that shaped American society

• Reconstruction and Black political leadership

• Jim Crow and segregation

• The Civil Rights Movement

• Mississippi history and organizing

• Media, power, and propaganda

• Civic engagement and modern-day systems

 

Each lesson includes:

• Opening quotes from Black scholars and leaders

• Timelines and key dates

• Teaching videos

• Recommended YouTube videos

• Reflection questions

• Discussion prompts

• Quizzes

• Recommended books

• Recommended websites

• Related museums and virtual exhibits

• Community action challenges

 

Membership Includes:

• Full course access

• Monthly discussions

• Freedom Summer events

• Downloadable resources

• Historical timelines

• Reading lists

• Resource library access

• Community discussions

 

Membership Pricing

• $10 Monthly Membership

• $100 Annual Membership

 

Sponsor Freedom

Help sponsor a student, educator, family, or community member by donating a membership.

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Help Us Continue Teaching Freedom

The Eddie J. Carthan Freedom School Institute is committed to making truth-centered education accessible to everyday people and communities.

Your support helps us:

• Create affordable educational courses

• Sponsor memberships for students and families

• Develop fellowships and leadership programs

• Preserve oral histories and historical resources

• Organize civil rights tours and community learning experiences

• Build educational tools and timelines

• Expand access to museums, archives, and virtual learning

• Continue teaching freedom through education, community, and action

 

Ways To Support

• Donate to the Institute

• Sponsor a Student Membership

• Sponsor a Freedom Fellow

• Support Civil Rights Tours

• Partner With the Institute

• Donate Books or Resources

• Book Educational Workshops

• Book Speaking Engagements

• Book Civil Rights Tours

• Invite the Institute to Your School, Church, Organization, or Community Event

 

“Freedom is something you have to fight to get, and freedom is something you have to fight to keep.”

— Dr. Eddie J. Carthan