FreedomCollab.org is the creation of Lesley Gist and Jill Knight
We are just beginning our project, so stay tuned for our mission statement and scope of work. Meantime, we have a wonderful Juneteenth kickoff article on the beginnings of our country in the persons and actions of Christopher Seider, Crispus Attucks, Barzillai Lew, and John Hancock. Read it here.
Visit our shop to celebrate the day! Our apparel celebrates the diverse individuals whose sacrifices and achievements helped establish our freedom. These shirts are conversation starters designed to spark curiosity, encourage learning, and connect the past to the present in a fresh, engaging, and meaningful way. We believe history belongs everywhere—not only in museums and classrooms, but also in the public square, on main streets, at family gatherings, and in the stories we choose to wear.
Lesley Gist is an author, educator, producer, historian, and founder of The Gist of Freedom, a pioneering multimedia platform dedicated to uncovering and preserving overlooked stories from American history. Long before podcasting became mainstream, she was interviewing scholars, authors, genealogists, descendants, and public figures, producing more than 600 interviews and programs, hundreds of which have since been transferred to Spotify and other digital platforms for future generations. Through books, exhibits, lectures, documentaries, and educational initiatives, her work has reached audiences across the US and internationally, helping bring hidden stories of freedom, courage, innovation, and achievement into the public conversation. She is also currently developing Black History University, an educational initiative designed to make history more accessible, engaging, and relevant through multimedia storytelling, public programming, and lifelong learning opportunities.
Jill Knight graduated from the University of Virginia where she was in the American Studies Program and majored in English. She took a Civil Rights movement class with social activist Julian Bond and has been interested in civil rights history ever since. Telling true histories, whole histories, seems more important now than ever. Professionally a graphic designer, brand manager, and design consultant, Knight enjoys project-based work and the magic of collaboration. Jill and Lesley began working together more than a decade ago for the advancement of The Gist of Freedom newsletters, podcast, and educational materials.