Freedom, Inc.’s Shyra Adams recognized as an emerging leader

by | Mar 1, 2021 | 0 comments

In January the City of Madison announced the awardees to be recognized by The Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Humanitarian Award Commission. Freedom, Inc.’s Youth Justice Coordinator Shyra Adams was recognized for her leadership as an emerging leader in the age 18–25 category.

She wasn’t expecting the award but was happy to hear that members of Freedom, Inc.’s staff nominated her.

“It all happened so quick,” Shyra said. “Because of COVID, we had to pre-record accepting the award, and I felt proud. A lot of people congratulated me. It felt really good to do it. The work I do is not going unnoticed. I know that my work is helping the community, and it’s not just a job.” 

Quigley

Shyra was a prominent leader in the Black Lives Matter marches in Madison in the summer of 2020. She’s been involved with Freedom, Inc. for nearly a decade as a participant and youth organizer. One of the victories of 2020 was the unanimous decision of the Madison Metropolitan School District’s Board to end the District’s contract with local police officers in school. This decision was the result of years of pressure in a “No Cops In Schools” campaign by members of the Youth Justice Squad, including Adams.

Shyra combines direct action in the streets and in government meetings with other educational and volunteer efforts. She helped coordinate Freedom, Inc.’s Books and Breakfast program to distribute food and books that have a social justice theme. The program serves as a political education for children ages 5–11 that teaches them age-appropriate lessons on how to keep themselves safe, how to have body autonomy, and how to find adults who can safely help.

“I work with mostly Black girls in a program that works with Black and Southeast Asian youth,” said Adams. “We’re still working on our campaign beyond getting cops out of schools. We’re investing in youth leadership development and youth engagement. We want to be a resource for students and their families if they are having problems in school. We want money to be invested back into Black youth and youth of color. We’re still here and we still have demands.”

Awards also recognized the leadership of State Representative Shelia Stubbs and nonprofit leader and artist Lilada Gee.

Article Tags

Madison Community Foundation

0 Comments

Submit a Comment

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Madison Community Foundation

Latest News

Bringing the magic of George Michael back to life

Bringing the magic of George Michael back to life

OUT!Cast Theatre’s Steve Noll chats with Craig Winberry about playing out singer, songwriter, and creative icon, George Michael, in The Life and Music of George Michael. The show comes to Overture Center in Madison on February 24.

Madison Roller Derby announces Season 19 dates

Madison Roller Derby announces Season 19 dates

MADISON, WIS - Madison’s premier roller derby league, Madison Roller Derby, is thrilled to announce the dates of their nineteenth season, including the return of their invitational tournament, Udder Chaos. The first opportunity for the public to cheer on MRD’s four...

Reclaiming Queer Joy

Reclaiming Queer Joy

For Cameron Craig, navigating their way out meant finding the right spaces and language to feel safe. And now they’re advocating for others on similar journeys.

Reaching Farther

Reaching Farther

OutReach LGBTQ+ Community Center has nearly doubled in size over the past year, adding new programs and expanding existing ones.The center’s program director, A.J. Hardie, details the impact.

Where Health & Justice Partner

Where Health & Justice Partner

The Center for Patient Partnership has launched a dedicated LGBTQ+ health justice program to support and advocate for LGBTQ patients navigating insurance challenges.

Latest News

VIEW ALL LATEST NEWS

CSW Workplace giving

Events

SUBMIT AN EVENT

VIEW ALL EVENTS

Jobs

SUBMIT A JOB POSTING

VIEW ALL JOBS

Popular Tags

Pin It on Pinterest