The Freedom Institute for Economic, Social Justice, and Political Empowerment is a non-profit organization founded in 2000 by Reverend Wendell Anthony.  Maryann Lee serves as the executive director and is responsible for developing programs that fit within the mission of the Institute.

The Institute is an urban think tank that serves as a clearinghouse on information that affect the quality of life for African Americans in particular and other minorities in general.  Freedom Weekend, a program of the Freedom Institute, is utilized to gather information, provoke dialogue, and bring together critical thinkers around a number of issues.

Since its inception, the Freedom Institute has sponsored strategy sessions on minority health issues, economic development and self-determination, labor and employment and youth development.