Finding Freadom: Poetry as a Tool for Liberation

As an extension of my research focused on healing, expression, and identity formation within African-American Literature I have founded the organization Freadom School. My research utilizes trauma theory and narrative theory as a critical framework applied to Their Eyes Were Watching God by Zora Neale Hurston and The Color Purple by Alice Walker. Trauma theory emphasizes the importance of sharing one’s story to overcome the neurosis caused by trauma. Freadom School is an organization that serves Black middle school students by increasing literacy while empowering students to use creative writing as a tool for healing. I have used my work with Freadom School to study the theoretical framework that I have applied to literature in practical ways with students from historically underserved communities. As I have worked with the students I have written and performed poetry to implement the healing elements of storytelling and explore the community building potential of intentional vulnerability