Events

The Freedom Tour

Posted July 15th, 2026

Calling all Metro Detroit High School Students – this one’s for you!

Founded in 1989, The Freedom Tour returns to Detroit this summer. Inspired by the Freedom Riders, this free program will incorporate a 2 part series from July 30 to August 2 to engage students in activism, history, racial justice, and community organizing skills.

Beginning with a two-day conference with guest speakers, workshops and activities followed by a two-day field trip to civil rights and community landmarks across the Metro Detroit area, this program is set to be a memorable milestone and experience for students interested in justice, civil rights and Detroit history.

The lectures, workshops and tours are led by incredible historians, experts and community leaders. Topics include the greater history of Detroit, race and policing in America, housing issues, food security and environmental issues, youth-led movements in Detroit, union history, digital rights and surveillance and more!

All 4 days will run from 9:00 AM–5:00 PM and will include breakfast, lunch, and snacks. The program is geared towards 9th to 12th grade students from the Detroit metro area and is application based. Student participants will also receive certification indicating that they successfully completed this program.

This program is organized by the Michigan Coalition for Human Rights (MCHR) and the Civil Rights, Inclusion and Opportunity (CRIO) department at the City of Detroit. We would like to kindly thank our sponsors and collaborators, the ACLU of Michigan and Wayne State University Black Studies Faculty Enhancement Initiative.

Applications are due by Sunday, July 19 by 11:59pm. Scan the QR code to sign up or click this link: https://forms.gle/PfoKYwNyLhzxGjqr9