WILMINGTON, DE – In an electrifying ceremony in Wilmington, Delaware, Freeway’s Freedom Thinkers Academy marked a significant milestone by graduating its first of the first certification class. It was truly my pleasure to attend the graduation of the First of The First for Freedom Thinkers Academy.
The emotional highlight was Freeway himself adorning the graduates with the official Freedom Thinkers Academy Pin. “Y’all are officially members of Freedom Thinkers Academy. You can’t buy these anywhere; you have to earn them, and y’all earned them,” Freeway exclaimed.
Prior to the graduation, when I asked if he was featured on the song, Freeway hinted with a glint in his eye, “I’ve got a surprise for the youth.” And surprise he did! Not only did he perform the song alongside the bright talents, but he also thrilled everyone with a performance of all his hit songs, bringing the house down.
Not just a rapper but an ambassador for change, Philadelphia Freeway expressed his heartfelt pride for the students. “It’s truly amazing, man. It’s a blessing to see it all come together. Y’all own your everything, did it from the muscle in six weeks, and it’s such an achievement. It takes artists years to get it down, and I’m so proud of y’all.”
The academy, which functions as a beacon of music, health education, and culture, has made significant strides in education. They host workforce certification programs, catering to two main age groups: ages 17-24 and Re-entry 25 to 55.
This summer’s spotlight was on the Engineering 101 audio-visual program in collaboration with Great Oak Charter School students in Wilmington, DE. This fruitful partnership, which involved the CEB and Jet Phynx Films, transformed students’ dreams into reality.
Kevin Sutton, the Operations Manager of Freedom Thinkers Academy and also one of the esteemed instructors, couldn’t hide his joy. Recalling a message he penned for the students, he said, “Dreams Don’t Work Unless You Do.” The passion echoed in the sentiment of Jet Phynx, who emphasized the spiritual bond between creativity and God.
From this program, the students learned a plethora of skills, from songwriting, producing, and mixing to the intricate aspects of business like LLC formation, trademarking, and monetization.
Their hard work culminated in the creation of a single titled *We Got Next*, which is now available on all major music platforms. A remix featuring Philly Freeway is also on the horizon.
For those who missed the ceremony, the event took place on Friday, August 4th, at the Community Education Building located at 1200 N French Street, Wilmington, DE 19801.
Recap from Ms. Tiffanie Bazemore-Jacksonm, Director of Community Outreach
The Freedom Thinkers Academy Music program not only was a great experience for the youth involved by giving them insight into the music industry firsthand it brought them each out of their comfort zone. I was determined to bring this program that was only Phila. based to the city of Wilmington, DE. This summer a group of individuals were brought together to form the 1st class in the 1st state to form a group to do a song and music video together under FTA. Took a guided tour through the ROC Nation building in NYC, and walked through the BOOK OF HOV exhibit with Philly Freeway in Brooklyn NY.
Not all members were interested in the music industry m, just wanted to try something different for the summer. Those then found a liking within the music industry, whether it’s now In interest in beat making, or now a found interest in becoming a rapper.
Others were already solo artists looking to come into music and get a deal, now having the experience of being in a group and not having things done 100% their way. Not only was the program a lesson of Music Industry 101, it has tools within to create life lessons for the youth.
Being taught and mentored by Strong Gifted Kings of Color ( Philly Freeway CEO & founder of FTA, Kevin Sutton, Operations Manger of FTA, Jet Phynx & Oz Prana with Jet Phynx Films Studio ). And myself being there each day making sure the students didn’t miss a day of class sending group wake up text( it was summer time ) not a sleep in summer at all for them! Keeping the motivated and encouraged knowing this was an opportunity for them to create history with us all. The 1st graduating class of the FTA music engineering program out the 1st State. Having the very 1st A.I. (Artificial Intelligence) music video produced by Jet Phynx Films Studio. F1rst Out The F1rst .
For more details about this groundbreaking initiative, you can visit www.freedomthinkers.academy