Dr.+John+Elliot+Churchville

Dr. John Elliot Churchville has dedicated his life to education, civil rights and economic equality. Born in Philadelphia in 1941, Churchville attended Simon Gratz High School. After graduation, Churchville went to Temple University and studied music. He dropped out of Temple to become a jazz musician and moved to Harlem. He then met Malcom X. Dr. Churchville was inspired by Malcolm X’s work. In the 1960’s he went to Greenwood, Mississippi to help Black people to pass the State literacy test so that they were able to vote. Then he realized how important education is. He came back to Philadelphia and opened the Freedom Library for children to learn their heritage. The Freedom Library contained books by and about African Americans. Dr. Churchville is now working for economic equality as C.E.O. of the Liberation Fellowship Community Development Corporation. He deserves to be honored for his commitment to education and economic justice.
 * By Jalin, Grade 6**