George Bell (activist)
George Bell (1761–1843) was an advocate and activist for the education rights of African Americans. In 1807, he co-founded the Bell School, the first school for African Americans in Washington, D.C.[1][2][3]
George Bell | |
|---|---|
| Born | 1761 |
| Died | 1843 (aged 81–82) Washington, D.C., U.S. |
| Nationality | Advocate and activist |
Life
Bell was born into slavery in Virginia. His wife, Sophia Browning, purchased his freedom while she was also enslaved. Bell worked as a carpenter in Washington, D.C., and used his wages to purchase his wife's freedom.[1]
Education advocacy
Bell could not read or write. He believed that education should be accessible for African Americans and became an activist in this area. Bell co-founded and built a one-story school house with Nicholas Franklin and Moses Liverpool, two free African American men who were also formerly enslaved.[1] Their school, the Bell School, was located in the Capitol Hill neighborhood.[1][2] The original Bell School closed after few years due to a lack of funding. The school is considered Washington D.C.'s first school for African Americans.[1]
Bell co-founded the Resolute Beneficial Society, a society that supported health, education, and burial needs of Washington, D.C.'s Black community.[1][4] The society successfully re-opened the Bell School in 1818.[1]
Death
Bell died in Washington, D.C., in 1843.[1]
References
- Jacobs, Sylvia M. (1996). Encyclopedia of African-American Education. Greenwood Publishing Group. ISBN 978-0-313-28931-6.
- "Bell School Site, African American Heritage Trail - www.culturaltourism.org". www.culturaltourismdc.org. Retrieved 2022-01-21.
- WETA. "Lincoln-Bell School: Historical D.C. Metro Map". Boundary Stones: WETA's Washington DC History Blog. Retrieved 2022-01-21.
- "Masonic History, The Early Years". www.mwphgldc.com. Retrieved 2022-02-01.