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]

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
  1. Jacobs, Sylvia M. (1996). Encyclopedia of African-American Education. Greenwood Publishing Group. ISBN 978-0-313-28931-6.
  2. "Bell School Site, African American Heritage Trail - www.culturaltourism.org". www.culturaltourismdc.org. Retrieved 2022-01-21.
  3. WETA. "Lincoln-Bell School: Historical D.C. Metro Map". Boundary Stones: WETA's Washington DC History Blog. Retrieved 2022-01-21.
  4. "Masonic History, The Early Years". www.mwphgldc.com. Retrieved 2022-02-01.
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