PHILADELPHIA (KYW Newsradio) — Philadelphia’s Jubilee School opened in the spring of 1977. It was the brainchild of Karen Falcon who recognized a need and had a vision.
Falcon started a reading program for children in her community where kids read, wrote in journals, listened to stories and learned language art skills. There, she saw they had a true thirst for knowledge and that there was a need for an alternative community school.
“I was just so inspired by them. And I felt like when children want to learn that badly, why aren't they thriving in school?” Falcon wondered. “It made no sense to me. So I just wanted to create a school where that love of learning could be nurtured.”
The Jubilee school grew, adding one grade at a time. Now, it serves children through 6th grade, providing an environment where they can dream, thrive and grow. Her elementary students authored four history books and launched their own publishing company. Falcon says allowing children to have a voice and develop and hone in on their creativity is vital.
“The books that they've written, you know, are the kind of books that would be banned in Florida, they're telling the truth about history. They're unafraid to use their voices. They know that their voices are powerful.”
At 70 years old, Falcon has a selfless love and commitment to the children. And even after 46 years in education, she still has the drive to walk up three flights of steps every day to teach.
“They're the game changers. I want them to know about all the great people that have come before them that have been GameChangers, especially Black women leaders — I feel like they understand that they come from a legacy of greatness and that they're part of that legacy.”
That’s a message Falcon wants her students to carry with them throughout life.
“Shine in all your glory. I want them to shine in all their glory. I've seen your glory, and I want them to continue to bring that to the world. They have so much to offer to the world.”
During Black History Month, KYW Newsradio’s GameChangers honors individuals or organizations that have made a significant, positive impact in communities of color in the greater Philadelphia region. View the 2024 honorees here.