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(Chicago)  In many communities families are faced with the critical question of where their child will go to school when the 2012-2013 year begins, while also facing fears about violent crime. Community leaders from the clergy and the education advocacy group Democrats for Education Reform-Illinois (DFER-IL),  are coming together to help families navigate their best school options.  “These concerned leaders understand that when you give families a choice, you give children a chance” said Rebeca Nieves Huffman, State Director of DFER IL.  “We are committed to providing Freedom Forums to help families understand their educational opportunities during this stressful period of change” she adds.

Freedom Forums are free events which will be held across the city this summer to offer families, caregivers, and interested members of the community real answers to questions about school choices. Freedom Forums will be launched at a community briefing on June 5, from 11:00 a.m.-1:00 p.m. at the historic Quinn Chapel 2401 S. Wabash, Chicago.  Nieves Huffman will address the gathering of prominent members’ of the African American ministry.  Other speakers include Pastor Tyrone Crider, Pastor Gregory Livingston, and Elder Albert Tyson. Pastor Walter Turner III will serve as moderator.

·      Pastors United for Change (Pastor Roosevelt Watkins)

·      Illinois Interfaith (Bishop Claude Porter)

·      Baptist Pastors Conference of Chicago & Vicinity (Pastor Robert Patterson)

·      Baptist Minister Conference of Chicago & Vicinity (Pastor Walter Turner III)

·      Baptist Ministers Union Conference (Pastor Willie Cotton)

·      New Beginnings Church (Pastor Corey Brooks)

·      Clergy for Community Change (Pastor Keynatta Smith),

·      Westside Ministers Coalition

·      Westside Baptist Conference

·      Westside Ministers of Chicago & Vicinity

·      Quinn Chapel AME Church (Pastor James M. Moody, Sr.)

·      Cook County Sheriff’s Department (Pastor Steve Jones)

·      Cook County Sheriff’s Department (Leonard Evans)