Loving Our Cities

09/04/2026

In observance of Labor Day, the offices of Loving Our Cities are CLOSED TODAY and Monday, September 7th. Normal hours of operation resume on Tuesday, September 8th.

Thank you for Loving Our Cities with us to enhance the quality of life where we live, work, serve, and worship! Have a restful holiday weekend. ♥️

09/01/2026

We’re taking the mission to FIVE more schools! A Few Good Men is growing from 15 schools to now 20 in South Jersey, creating even more opportunities for young men to build confidence, strengthen their leadership skills, develop meaningful relationships, and discover what’s possible when they have the right people in their corner.

More schools. More mentors. More young men. MORE IMPACT. ❤️

We’re just getting started.

08/28/2026

Keep your finger on The Pulse of the many ways we are Loving Our Cities!❤️ Check out the link in our profile to read the August 2026 edition.
https://conta.cc/4zKV0Eo

Email from Loving Our Cities Discover the many ways we are Loving Our Cities! August 2026 Edition Freedom to Thrive As a South Jersey resident, I grew up in surrounding communities of Camden, New Jers

08/21/2026

Last Friday, August 14, 2026, Freedom School scholars served up a Living Museum to showcase their academic achievements as the grand finale of our third offering of Freedom School, and our first as a New Jersey-certified and Children's Defense Fund-approved summer program--the first and only in Gloucester County! And grand it was, as scholars capped off six extraordinary weeks filled with learning, growth, and discovery by depicting the history of fellow world-changers who've paved the way for us all to make our mark on this world.

Featuring a special appearance and reading by Tiffany Sandridge, author of Are You Good From A to Z?, scholars enjoyed food for their body, mind, and spirit, receiving autographed copies of Ms. Sandridge's book and a delicious lunch prepared by Details by Dawn to celebrate their success.

We are immensely proud of every scholar and deeply thankful to the families, partners, grantors, staff, and volunteers who join us in our efforts to close the educational achievement gap in New Jersey's Abbott School Districts and food desert communities. Cheers to a season of learning, leadership, and legacy! 📚❤️🎓

Freedom looks good on you, too! Email [email protected] to partner, sponsor, or volunteer to ensure our Freedom School remains FREE for eligible students.

📸: Bob Thomas

08/20/2026

Due to severe thunderstorm and flood warnings in effect, today’s pantry from 4 - 7 PM at Perfecting Plaza is cancelled. We apologize for the inconvenience.

Next Upcoming Pantry:
August 27
4 PM – 7 PM

Thank you for your understanding, and we look forward to serving you!

08/14/2026

THANK YOU to the amazing volunteers who have shared their LOVE of reading with our Freedom School Scholars this entire summer! Your willingness to share your time and talents was fundamental to unlocking the potential of our scholars and closing the gap in academic achievement.

THANK YOU to everyone who championed the cause of educational equity by sharing your LOVE of reading with our scholars! Our deepest hope is that these brilliant minds carry the wisdom gained this summer into their classrooms for the upcoming school year. It has been an absolute JOY serving alongside you!


- Angela Brown (Executive Director, Loving Our Cities)
- Dr. Marguerite Hall (ReStored & RiSing)
- Dr. Tonya Horton (Executive Teacher Coaching Education Program)
- Hakim Chandler (Woodbury junior senior HS)
- Ieshia Nelson (Cooper Medical School of Rowan University (CMSRU)
- Kameelah Waheed (Independent Global Advocacy Artist)

08/13/2026

Our Freedom School, the first and only in Gloucester County, was featured in Christianity Today on August 7, 2026 in a column written by our 2026 Freedom School Assistant Site Coordinator, Rakeem Miller. The article explores how Freedom Schools create environments where scholars can dive into their history to cultivate a love for themselves and learning, as a vehicle to enhance literacy skills and cultivate academic success.

In these polarizing times where even the most well-resourced schools are being stripped of Black History, Freedom Schools provide scholars the opportunity to learn about their roots, celebrate the vast contributions of Black people to world history, and recognize what’s possible when they see themselves reflected in curriculum.

We’re proud to see our Freedom School recognized for the way we’re hashtag in South Jersey. ❤️

Read the full article: Teaching Black History in the Trump Age - https://lnkd.in/ebmh4BVi
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📸: Bob Thomas

08/13/2026

Join us as we celebrate the finale of the Loving Our Cities Freedom Schools program!

Event Details:
Friday, August 14, 2026
274 Delsea Drive, Sewell, NJ 08080

Program Details:
1:00PM - 1:30 PM — Lunch provided by "Details by Dawn"
1:45 PM — Living Exhibits begin - Students have researched and selected notable African Americans to showcase.
2:15 PM — Finale Program begins!
Your presence and support have made this summer possible, and we can't wait to celebrate this summer's accomplishments with you.

We look forward to seeing you there!
https://conta.cc/4g4xFVs

08/11/2026

Last week, our scholars dove into the remarkable journeys of Black heroes whose bravery and vision transformed our world. Through the legacies of figures like James Still, Ethel Lawrence, and Paul Robeson, they discovered that progress starts with those who possess the passion to advocate for justice and envision a brighter future.

By studying the paths of some historical South Jersey Natives who were as effective as Harriet Tubman, Maya Angelou, William Still, Rosa Parks, and Nelson Mandela, our scholars are finding their own voices. These lessons in leadership and resilience empower them to realize their potential to start meaningful change within their own communities.

As the countdown continues toward our grand finale Living Museum on August 14, we are filled with pride watching these future leaders honor history and prepare to showcase their growth! ❤️

Proudly presented in partnership with New Jersey Faith Action Center Food Bank of South Jersey & The Perfecting Church.

08/11/2026

🎶 The wheels on the bus go round and round… all the way to the New Jersey State Capitol! 🚌

On Wednesday, August 5, 2026, our Freedom School scholars, team, and families traveled to the New Jersey State Capitol in Trenton for Freedom School Day at the Capitol! 🏛️

Our students participated in a powerful day of civic engagement featuring a full Harambee celebration, a “Health and Healing” panel discussion with leaders including Dr. Semaj Vanzant, with the NJ Faith Action Center, legislators, and community advocates. Scholars explored the Student Engagement Fair, allowing them to connect with colleges, state departments, and organizations across New Jersey.

It was an inspiring opportunity for our scholars to learn, ask questions, and see their voices represented in the halls of government. 📚

📸: Bob Thomas