The Uhuru Journal: Rooted & Rising

Where Identity Meets Innovation: How Uhuru Shule Builds Creative Futures for Children

A Chicago-based learning community blending African American history, culturally relevant teaching, and AI innovation to empower every child.

Amira’s Story: Finding Her Voice

When Amira first joined Uhuru Shule, she was quiet, hesitant, and unsure of her voice. Six months later, she stood proudly in front of parents and peers, performing a spoken-word piece about Black inventors and leaders who inspire her.

Amira’s transformation is just one example of what happens when children learn in spaces that affirm who they are and ignite their creativity.

Why Dedicated Learning Spaces Matter

At Uhuru Shule, we know that children thrive when their identity is celebrated and their imagination is encouraged.

  • Affirm identity through curriculum and imagery that reflect students’ diverse backgrounds.
  • Increase engagement by connecting lessons to lived experiences.
  • Close opportunity gaps with high expectations and culturally responsive teaching.

> “When children learn in culturally grounded, creative environments, they don’t just succeed — they thrive.” — Gloria Ladson-Billings

What Families Experience at Uhuru Shule

Parents choose Uhuru Shule because we create an environment where every child can shine:

  • ✏️ Small class sizes with dedicated Humanities and STEM teachers
  • 🤖 Afterschool AI tutoring paired with African American history projects
  • 🎙️ Student showcases every month, where families see children perform, present, and lead

Last year, 92% of students improved in literacy and cultural identity awareness after joining our program.

The Power of Creativity

Creativity isn’t an “extra” — it is the heartbeat of resilience, problem solving, and innovation. At Uhuru Shule, students record podcasts, design projects on Black inventors, and use AI journals to link history with their own voices.

How Donors Can Make an Impact

Your support ensures that every child has access to the tools and experiences that spark lifelong learning.

  • $50 provides an AI journal + notebook for one student
  • $100 sponsors a student showcase performance
  • $500 covers a family’s participation in the Afterschool Innovation Program

Every gift creates opportunities for children to grow academically, culturally, and creatively.

Join Us in Building the Future

👉 Schedule a visit or request information
💡 Support our mission with a gift
📢 Share Uhuru Shule with your network

Together, we can ensure every child has a learning space where identity and imagination fuel achievement.

See Uhuru Shule in Action

Uhuru Shule Showcase Photo
A moment from our student showcases, where creativity and culture come alive.

🎥 Watch our story on YouTube

Peggie Burnett - Wise Avatar

Published by

Peggie Burnett – Wise
I believe every child deserves a place to learn where their culture is celebrated, their creativity is nurtured, and their brilliance is recognized. That belief has guided me throughout my journey as an educator, mentor, and founder. Today, I serve as Program Director at Roosevelt University’s Principal Preparation Program, where I walk alongside future school leaders, helping them grow into visionary principals who can serve their communities with skill and heart. I also direct the Malott Fellowship, where I design professional learning experiences that support Chicago Public Schools principals in strengthening student engagement, reducing absenteeism, and creating schools where both children and educators can thrive. I am especially proud to be the co-founder of Uhuru Shule Co-operative, a school and afterschool program dedicated to African American children and families. At Uhuru Shule, we combine AI-supported tutoring, African American history, and the arts to create joyful, affirming spaces where children feel at home in their learning. My areas of expertise include: Instructional leadership & curriculum design Culturally responsive teaching and learning Data-driven school improvement Professional development for teachers and principals Community partnerships and fundraising initiatives I come to this work as the daughter of an educator and a Chicago Transit Authority worker, who taught me the values of service, resilience, and commitment to community. Those lessons are at the heart of everything I do. Beyond my professional life, I cherish my role as wife to David, III and mother to our wonderful son, David Nasir, IV. My family is my grounding force and daily inspiration. ✨ “When African American children learn in spaces that affirm their culture and spark creativity, they rise. My life’s work is to build those spaces, nurture those leaders, and support the communities they serve.” I would love for you to connect with me, learn more about Uhuru Shule Co-operative, or join in our mission to build spaces that honor every child’s identity and ignite their imagination.
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2 responses to “Where Identity Meets Innovation: How Uhuru Shule Builds Creative Futures for Children”

  1. Duane McCOLLUM Avatar
    Duane McCOLLUM

    I am a parent of an 18yr old young lady that graduated from an IB high school here in Chicago .She has NO public school Awareness, Education, nor Knowledge taken from this experience about her blackness.

    If We don’t KNOW Ourselves, We Won’t LOVE Ourselves!

    I believe we see this reality everyday in Chicago. Our children are ‘released’ into this world & distracted with the ‘other peoples’ values. That attempt to distract is OK if they have a good foundation. As a Young man, my grandmother instilled & taught me what I needed as a young man growing up in the south. Her teachings, my entire family teachings ‘ruggedized’ me. We didn’t have the internet, so no further distractions either.

    My question is, are there classes that you offer that assists in filling that gap?

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply
    1. Peggie Burnett - Wise Avatar
      Peggie Burnett – Wise

      Thank you for sharing your powerful reflection. At Uhuru Shule, we serve younger children, but we know the journey of cultural grounding continues well beyond graduation. We’d love to stay connected and encourage young adults to explore spaces like the DuSable Black History Museum and Education Center,the Kemetic Institute of Chicago, and the Association for the Study of Classical African Civilizations (ASCAC), Chicago Chapter.

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