FAMILY & CIVIC ENGAGEMENT
FAMILY & CIVIC ENGAGEMENT
FREEDOM FRIDAYS
Freedom Fridays, held on the last Friday of each month from 5 PM to 7 PM in Central Hillside, Duluth, bring together community members for an evening of connection, learning, and empowerment. Open to all, these gatherings create a welcoming space for neighbors of all backgrounds to engage in cross-generational dialogue and celebrate cultural exchange. Blending the warmth of a neighborhood dinner with purposeful discussions, Freedom Fridays include activities and workshops focused on education, self-sufficiency, and community support. Community leaders, local government representatives, and school officials often join for town hall-style conversations, giving attendees the chance to stay informed, share concerns, and actively shape the neighborhood’s future. Freedom Fridays empower everyone to play a part in building a stronger, more connected community.
CONVERSATIONS & COFFEE
Conversations & Coffee is held every Tuesday and Thursday from 10 AM to 12 PM, offering a welcoming space for meaningful connections between generations. During colder months, the gathering takes place at Family Freedom Center, while in the summer it moves outdoors to Freedom Farms. This program brings together elders and younger community members to exchange stories, share wisdom, and foster understanding across generations. Through relaxed conversations, participants explore cultural heritage, life lessons, and fresh perspectives, creating bonds that strengthen community pride and continuity. Conversations & Coffee is open to all who wish to engage in dialogue that bridges generations and deepens community ties.
BIPOC PARENTS ASSOCIATION
The BIPOC Parents Association (BPA) is a network of committed parents and guardians of BIPOC students, working to create equitable educational experiences and address the unique challenges their children face. BPA identifies gaps in support within the school system, mobilizing to meet these needs through essential resources and advocacy. Serving as both an advocacy group and a supportive community, BPA fosters accountability within schools while equipping families with shared knowledge and tools to empower BIPOC students. By strengthening the support system for students both inside and outside the classroom, BPA ensures an inclusive, supportive educational environment where all students can thrive.
OUTREACH & INVESTMENTS
Family Freedom Center is transforming Central Hillside into a hub for Duluth’s Black and Brown community, addressing immediate needs and building pathways for shared wealth and unity. Each year, our events engage over 5,500 community members, offering essential resources while celebrating Black culture. The Big Tent Resource Festival provides cold-weather kits, jackets, and fresh produce, fostering neighborly support. The annual BIPOC Business Showcase boosts local entrepreneurs, encouraging the community to shop BIPOC and reinforcing economic self-reliance. Seasonal gatherings, like the Unapologetically Black Christmas Extravaganza and Thanksgiving dinners, bring families together, circulating resources and deepening bonds within the community.
In collaboration with funders, supporters, and stakeholders, Family Freedom Center reinvests these resources directly into Central Hillside, shifting the mindset from scarcity to abundance and establishing a foundation for long-term prosperity.
VOTER ENGAGEMENT
Family Freedom Center is driving transformative civic engagement within Duluth’s Black community, amplifying voices that have long been underrepresented in democratic processes. By actively breaking down barriers to voting and civic participation, FFC is equipping community members with the tools and resources to make impactful decisions on issues affecting their lives. Through innovative strategies, including accessible voter education, targeted outreach, and logistical support such as transportation and childcare, FFC is reshaping the landscape of civic involvement. Youth-led initiatives and powerful multimedia campaigns inspire a new generation to engage in the political process, fostering a culture of informed, empowered voters. Family Freedom Center is cultivating an environment where every voice is mobilized and every vote counts, creating a lasting impact on Duluth’s civic fabric.