Seattle, WA - The Liberated Village Arts and Education Festival takes place on May 13th from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. at Alan T. Sugiyama High School. The event will feature about 20 organizations which have been funded by King County through a million-dollar initiative, and will aim to educate and empower Black and Brown youth of all ages, primarily middle school and high school students. The festival will feature various organizations, showcasing their work and providing information about their programs and services to parents and students.

“This is a school without walls,” Steve Sneed, The Arts and Entertainment Coordinator at Alan T. Sugiyama High School, said on The Day With Trae.

The festival, dubbed as a big open house, will have a range of activities and offerings for attendees. Free food, including sandwiches from Philly's Best and other food vendors, will be available. There will be a film festival featuring student films, dance performances, and music mixed by Vitamin D, a renowned hip hop music producer and teacher. The festival provides a platform for young people to showcase their talents and celebrate their achievements, while also giving parents an opportunity to learn about the Liberated Village and its programs.

The Liberated Village aims to not only provide opportunities for young people but also engage parents and adults in the education and empowerment process. Sneed mentioned Dr. Sullivan, one of the key figures behind the initiative.

“She teaches teachers, parents, adults, so that they can understand the needs. And she's been doing this work for years,” Sneed said.

Sullivan works with Liberated Village to provide classes on how to best educate Black and Brown children. The organization recognizes that involving parents and families in the process is crucial for the success of the young people. The festival will also provide information on college preparation, including finding colleges, understanding costs, and navigating the process of getting into college. Additionally, there will be organizations focusing on trades and financial education for both parents and students, helping them understand the various career options and managing their finances effectively.

The Liberated Village Arts and Education Festival is inspired by the concept of the original civilizations that had a village mindset, where community members supported each other and sought services within the community. The festival aims to bring back this village-minded approach and provide a holistic and empowering educational experience for Black and Brown youth and their families. The festival is open to all and invites parents, students, and community members to come and learn about the opportunities and resources available through the Liberated Village.

“That's what you'd have in a village, you'd have opportunities to engage with professional adults in different areas, and being able to have that exposure helps you to understand more and grow,” Sneed said. “The village is important for all those reasons.”

The festival promises to be an enriching and empowering experience for all attendees, celebrating the talents and achievements of young people and providing them with the tools and resources to succeed in their educational journey and beyond.

You can find out more about the Liberated Village here and make sure to tune into The Day With Trae every weekday from 11 - 11:30 am.