Photo by Jacklin BolduanMuldrow says the course is strongly rooted in exploring the experiences of LGBTQ people of color. To her, “Leadership is an orientation of the imagination,” which is reflected in the structure and assignments of the course.
Mims, who has been involved with FOL since his sophomore year, said, “The class has really opened my eyes to a lot of things regarding racism that’s institutionalized and issues of sexuality and gender and poverty. [FOL] has helped me grown in my self and create me. Just become more confident and autonomous.”
In June 2015, FOL expanded outside of the traditional classroom and began offering the course to youth who are incarcerated. The course, known as The New Narrative Project, can be taken online and centers around LGBTQ inclusion and self-determination.
“We know that LGBTQ folks of color are more likely to be incarcerated than anyone else. There was a need to address thesystemic impact of the school to prison pipeline.”