About Us
"Growth Is The Outcome"
The Cleveland Freedom Project is 501(c)(3) non-profit organization in Cleveland, Ohio dedicated to empowering individuals and communities through advocacy, education, and support programs that promote freedom, justice, and opportunity. We work to create lasting change by uplifting voices, providing resources, and fostering a more equitable and inclusive Cleveland for everyone.
To watch with sound, click here.
Our Story
The Cleveland Freedom Project started when a small group of Cleveland residents came together with a shared vision: to challenge systemic barriers and create real opportunities for those whose voices often go unheard.
What began as grassroots conversations has grown into a committed movement, rooted in the belief that change starts with community, courage, and connection. Every initiative we undertake reflects the dedication and stories of the people who inspired this work from the very beginning.
Our Leadership
Nezerae Hunt
President
Nezerae Hunt is a youth leader, mentor, and emerging communications professional from Cleveland, Ohio, committed to empowering young people through leadership, storytelling, and community engagement. She serves as the inaugural President of The Cleveland Freedom Project.
A dedicated AmeriCorps Service Member, Nezerae also serves as Program Manager for the Cleveland Freedom Project’s summer programming, where she mentors rising youth leaders and helps shape initiatives that prioritize authentic youth decision-making and leadership development.
Passionate about sports media and communications, Nezerae has gained hands-on experience shadowing industry professionals and currently supports the Cleveland Cavaliers Communications Team as a Game Night Assistant. Her work blends storytelling with advocacy, using media as a tool to elevate underrepresented voices.
Nezerae is a Communication Studies major at Cuyahoga Community College and plans to continue her education at Cleveland State University. A graduate of John Hay Cleveland School of Architecture and Design, her journey is rooted in resilience, mentorship, and a commitment to creating pathways for other young people to lead and thrive.
Featured work and engagements include: 2021 Summer Program, Power of Sports Summit, Y.O.U. Interview, and the Austin Carr Golf Outing
Dai-Yaan Solomon
Vice President
Dai-Yaan Solomon has been an integral part of the Cleveland Freedom Project since 2023, serving as both a Program Assistant and the Vice President of our Board of Directors. Dai-Yaan brings a deep passion for community engagement and youth empowerment, consistently demonstrating a commitment to social justice and systemic change.
In his role, Dai-Yaan helps to facilitate transformative conversations between youth and law enforcement, creating space for dialogue, understanding, and mutual respect. He has played a pivotal role in developing and supporting youth-led capstone projects that address real-world issues, encouraging young people to become changemakers in their own communities.
A senior at Baldwin Wallace University, Dai-Yaan combines academic insight with lived experience to help bridge gaps between generations, institutions, and community members. His leadership, empathy, and unwavering dedication continue to drive the mission of the Cleveland Freedom Project forward.
Youth Voices Matter Program
Montier Bennett-Henderson
Youth Voices Matter (YVM) Program Coordinator
Montier Bennett Henderson is a dedicated college student pursuing an Associate of Science degree. She is passionate about learning, personal growth, and creating meaningful change within his community. As she advances in his academic journey, Montier is committed to strengthening her leadership skills and gaining hands-on experience that will support her future career in the sciences. Montier has a genuine interest in working with youth and helping to cultivate environments where young people feel heard, supported, and empowered.
Montyce Bennett-Henderson
Youth Voices Matter (YVM) Program Assistant
Montyce Henderson is the Program Assistant at the Cleveland Freedom Project and will be facilitating the mental health session for the Youth Voices Matter program. A proud graduate of Shaw High School’s Class of 2022, Montyce is committed to supporting youth and uplifting community voices through empowerment, education, and healing-centered engagement.