Indy Standard

Indianapolis Public Schools will hold its 27th Annual Spirit of Freedom Celebration this October at the American Legion Mall. The event is designed to honor African American Civil War soldiers and educate students about their role in American history.

Students attending the event will participate in interactive stations featuring historical reenactors. These activities aim to give students a direct experience with history, offering dramatic presentations and first-person narratives about the lives and contributions of African American soldiers during the Civil War.

The opening ceremony will feature the Lay Male Chorus performing “Lift Every Voice and Sing,” a song known as the Black National Anthem. According to organizers, this song was chosen for its connection to struggle and resilience.

In addition to learning about military service, students will explore how enslaved people used coded messages in signal songs as part of the Underground Railroad’s secret communication methods.

The program encourages schools interested in participating to contact Pat Payne at paynep@myips.org. Transportation arrangements and field trip requests are to be handled through regular school channels. Students are advised to dress for outdoor weather and bring blankets or jackets, as bottled water, first aid services, and portable restrooms will be available on-site.

“Their time has finally come.” This theme underscores the celebration’s purpose: ensuring that stories of African American Civil War soldiers are remembered by new generations. Organizers say that understanding these stories is vital for connecting young people with their nation’s complete history.

For more information, contact Pat Payne at paynep@myips.org.