By Edwin Freeman, Actor, Filmmaker
Photos: Edwin Freeman
Today marks an exciting milestone in my journey as both an artist and advocate for social change. After years of playing memorable roles in productions like the blockbuster film “Notorious” and Marvel’s hit series “Luke Cage,” I’ve gained a deeper appreciation for how art can transform lives and communities. As a filmmaker who produced and directed the critically acclaimed documentaries “Modern Day Slavery: From Plantations to Prisons” and “Beats & Lyrics: The Essence of Rap,” I’ve witnessed how powerful storytelling can illuminate social injustices and inspire action. It’s this understanding that inspired me to establish The Freeman Foundation for the Arts, whose new website launches today.
The Foundation embodies my belief that art is more than entertainment—it’s a powerful vehicle for advocacy, education, and social transformation. Through our website, we aim to expand our reach and impact across New York City and beyond.
Our flagship initiative, Hip-Hop Harmony, leverages the cultural power and universal appeal of hip-hop to equip young people with essential life skills. By engaging with the core elements of hip-hop—from lyricism to dance—participants develop social-emotional intelligence, conflict resolution techniques, and self-help strategies that foster personal growth and community harmony. Just last week, on April 3, 2025, we proudly launched this program at Hillcrest High School in Queens, New York, where students are already embracing these transformative techniques with enthusiasm and creativity.
ArtSpark NYC, another cornerstone initiative, bridges the opportunity gap by connecting underprivileged artists with transformative cultural experiences throughout New York City. By providing access to museums, performances, workshops, sporting events, live shows, and mentorship opportunities, we’re nurturing the next generation of creative voices who might otherwise remain unheard due to socioeconomic barriers. From courtside basketball experiences to Broadway productions, these cultural touchpoints inspire new artistic perspectives and foster connections across diverse communities.
Perhaps most ambitious is our Freedom Academy initiative, which democratizes legal knowledge and civic education across diverse communities. By making complex legal concepts accessible, we empower citizens to better advocate for themselves while navigating systems that often seem designed to exclude them. This initiative reflects our commitment to addressing systemic inequities through practical education and empowerment.
As someone who has witnessed firsthand how art can change perspectives and open doors, I invite you to join us in this mission. Visit www.thefreemanfoundationforthearts.org to learn more about our programs, volunteer opportunities, and ways to support our work. Together, we can harness the transformative power of art to create lasting social change and build more equitable communities.
The curtain is rising on this new chapter—and everyone has a role to play.
