Shonda Rhimes, Grey's Anatomy, Debbie Allen, Get Out The Vote, Trivia Livestream Event

by Daniel Johnson

November 3, 2024

Shonda Rhimes To Join ‘Grey’s Anatomy’ Cast And Debbie Allen For Get Out The Vote Trivia Livestream Event

Although admission is free, organizers request attendees remind three loved ones to vote before they attend.

Shonda Rhimes, the casts of Grey’s Anatomy and Private Practice, actress Debbie Allen, and Florida Rep. Maxwell Frost are set to headline a Get Out The Vote trivia event that doubles as an event designed to support the Democratic Party.

According to The Hollywood Reporter, the Nov. 3 event is presented in partnership with Move On, a political action group. Although admission is free, organizers have requested that attendees remind three loved ones to vote before they attend. The event will start at 8 p.m. EST, and attendees can join at MoveOn.org/CodeBlue.

The teams will split into two groups and will answer trivia questions related to the two shows and prizes will be given out as they encourage attendees to vote for Vice President Kamala Harris and the rest of the Democratic ticket.

According to Shondaland actress Kate Walsh, one of the participants in the trivia livestream, “There are just four days left until polls close and we have to leave it all on the field and leave no stone unturned to elect Kamala Harris and Tim Walz and progressives up and down the ballot,” Walsh said via a press release. “On TV, we’ve overcome hurricanes, sinkholes, ferry accidents and more, but that didn’t stop us, so don’t let anything stop you from getting out the vote.”

Jason George, another Shondaland actor who is participating in the livestream, added, “We may play fake doctors on TV but we know the stakes are very real in this election. There might only be a few days left until Election Day, but it’s not too late to use our power and make our voices heard at the ballot box. After doing all of our research, the answer for us was clear: We’re voting for Kamala Harris and Democrats all the way down the ballot to protect our freedoms.”

According to MoveOn Political Action spokesperson Britt Jacovich, the organization is using the time ahead of Tuesday’s election to remind voters “to use their power and elect leaders who will protect your freedoms, including your rights to abortion and reproductive healthcare.”

Jacovich concluded, “Healthcare decisions should be between a patient and their doctor — not dictated by Donald Trump and rightwing extremists.”

by Nahlah Abdur-Rahman

November 3, 2024

Sexyy Red Votes For Kamala Harris, Walking Back Previous Support Of Donald Trump

Sexyy Red alluded to Trump's stance on reproductive rights as the reason for her political shift.

Sexyy Red has announced that she voted for Kamala Harris, shifting her endorsement to the Democratic nominee after previously supporting Donald Trump.

The “Pound Town” rapper took to X to share her new political sentiments. She revealed that she voted for Harris, saying that no one should tell her and others what to do with their “coochies.”

I just voted!!! Don’t tell us what to do with our coochies!! #Kamala4President pic.twitter.com/5rvpa6HzJ8
— Sexyy Red (@SexyyRed314_) November 1, 2024

“I just vote,” exclaimed Sexyy Red. “Don’t tell us what to do with our coochies!! #Kamala4President.”

This differs from Red’s prior thoughts on who should lead the country. Promoting untrue statements about how Trump gave Americans stimulus checks during the Covid-19 pandemic, she initially endorsed the GOP nominee for reelection.

Her original support of the conservative and controversial politician sparked backlash. Many stated that she was furthering misinformation about the “free money” to voters.

“They support him in the hood. At first, I don’t think people was f***ing with him. They thought he was racist, saying little s*** against women. But once he started getting Black people out of jail and giving people that free money. Awe, baby, we love Trump. We need him back in office,” she said on a 2023 episode of Theo Von’s This Past Weekend podcast, as reported by The Independent.

However, the St. Louis native clearly had a change of heart. As the abortion ban remains a top issue, the sex-positive artist decided to cast her vote for Harris.

Prior to this latest admission, Red had used Trump’s “Make America Great Again” slogans and imagery throughout her “Sexyy Red 4 President” Tour. While headlining the Governor’s Ball music festival in July, the hip-hop crooner had an large inflatable MAGA hat in the background while on the New York Stage.

However, Red was quick to state that she was not endorsing anybody but herself amid this election season. Moreover, she denied rumors that she would perform at any Trump rallies.

“It’s Sexyy Red 4 President. I’m my own candidate I’m not endorsing anybody period,” she once stated.

Trump has yet to comment on Sexyy Red switching sides. Despite this, it would not be unusual for him to do so.

by Daniel Johnson

November 3, 2024

NBA Investigating Joel Embiid’s Altercation With Journalist

Joel Embiid allegedly shoved Philadelphia Inquirer columnist Marcus Hayes in the locker room after a game over something Hayes had written about Embiid's family.

The NBA is investigating whether or not star Philadelphia 76ers center Joel Embiid allegedly shoved Marcus Hayes, a columnist for the Philadelphia Inquirer, in the locker room after a game on Nov. 2. Embiid reportedly took offense to his son and dead brother being used against him in a column Hayes wrote.

According to Yahoo Sports, Keith Pompney from the Philadelphia Inquirer reported that Embiid allegedly assaulted a reporter in the locker room. Following some initial confusion about whether or not Embiid had punched the reporter, ESPN Insider Shams Charania confirmed that it was a shove and not a punch.

“You can say I suck, you can say whatever you want about me as a player. Don’t ever put my dead brother’s name in your mouth,” @KyleNeubeck describes Joel Embiid altercation with journalist https://t.co/CIorWx3NV7 pic.twitter.com/dIsDDaULZz
— philip lewis (@Phil_Lewis_) November 3, 2024

Kyle Neubeck, who later wrote his own column about Embiid’s humanity coming through in his reaction to the reporter Embiid shoved, said on PHLY‘s post-game show that the reporter in question was the Philadelphia Inquirer’s Marcus Hayes.

“The second that Joel realized he (Hayes) was there, got into a verbal back-and-forth. Obviously, we can’t repeat many of the words that were said on this show. The basic gist of it was basically, ‘You can say I suck, you can say whatever you want about me as a player. Don’t ever put my dead brother’s name in your mouth. Don’t talk about my family. Don’t bring them into this. You want to talk to me like a man and talk to me about basketball, that’s different, but if you ever talk about my family again, we’re gonna have real problems,” Neubeck said.

Hayes’ column was, in part, a response to the 76ers being fined $100,000 for misleading public statements about Embiid’s health after they claimed he was nursing a left knee injury.

The opening, or lede, of Hayes’ column, reads fairly harshly, and many people have expressed solidarity with Embiid on social media.

About Embiid-That column was malicious and shouldn’t have been published in the first place. Criticize Joel’s play but talking about his dead brother to make a point is vile. Also the fact that some folks low key resent the players they cover doesn’t get discussed enough.
— Jannelle Moore (@Jannelle12) November 3, 2024

Man, look. If you write this, you gotta be accountable to the player. This isn't talking about what Joel Embiid is doing on the court. This is ridiculous.

Is it worth getting physical with the dude? IDK, I want way more details on how this whole thing escalated. pic.twitter.com/lIXkwNrIk8
— Sam Vecenie (@Sam_Vecenie) November 3, 2024

“Joel Embiid consistently points to the birth of his son, Arthur, as the major inflection point in his basketball career. He often says that he wants to be great to leave a legacy for the boy named after his little brother, who tragically died in an automobile accident when Embiid was in his first year as a 76er,” Hayes began his column.

Hayes continued, “Well, in order to be great at your job, you first have to show up for work. Embiid has been great at just the opposite. Now in his 11th season, he consistently has been in poor condition. This poor conditioning apparently seems to have delayed his debut this season.”

Hayes would later have that first paragraph removed, admitting that he understood why people objected to it in a post to his Twitter account.

So, I rewrote the lede to my column and replaced the picture. I can see why so many people were upset about it. Sorry about that.

Thanks for all of the constructive criticism. https://t.co/GE8xIHc22z
— Marcus Hayes (@inkstainedretch) October 23, 2024

Embiid clearly did not accept Hayes’ apology, who kept publishing columns critical of Embiid following the one in which he mentioned Embiid’s son, who is named for Embiid’s brother, Arthur, who died in a car accident in Cameroon in 2014.

In his comments to reporters on Nov. 1, Embiid recounted several times he has played while injured or through injury and pushed back on Hayes specifically.

“If your body doesn’t react well and if your body tells you one thing — I’ve done it. From what I can tell you, I’ve broken my face twice, I came back early with the risk of losing my vision, had broken fingers, I still came back. So I’m not going to sit here and be like — I see people saying, ‘He doesn’t want to play.’ I’ve done way too much for this city putting myself at risk for people to be saying that. I do think it’s bulls***,” Embiid said.

Embiid continued, “Like that dude, he’s not here, Marcus, whatever his name is, I’ve done way too much for this f***ing city to be treated like this. Done way too f***ing much. I wish I was as lucky as other ones, but that doesn’t mean that I’m not trying and doing whatever it takes to be out there, which I’m gonna be pretty soon.”

Eddie Murphy Set To ‘Give Up The Funk,’ Starring In George Clinton Biopic

by Nahlah Abdur-Rahman

November 3, 2024

Eddie Murphy Set To ‘Give Up The Funk,’ Starring In George Clinton Biopic

The film will reunite the comedic actor with 'Dreamgirls' director.

Eddie Murphy will star in a new biopic focusing on the life of George Clinton. The project, in which Murphy will play the famed singer, will be directed by Bill Condon.

The Amazon MGM Studios film will reunite Murphy with Condon. Previously, the two worked on “Dreamgirls” together. Clinton shared the news on his Instagram, implying his involvement in the film on his life and success. According to Deadline, the 83-year-old will serve as executive producer.

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by George Clinton (@yolikegeorge)

Virgil Williams will write the script based on Clinton’s memoir,” Brothas Be, Yo Like George, Ain’t That Funkin’ Kinda Hard On You?” The book details his chaotic journey in music and developing the collective’s memorable sound. The biopic will also follow this story, depicting the Parliament-Funkadelic leader’s rise to fame and pioneering of funk.

Clinton and the musical groups became household names, incorporating sci-fi themes and Afro-futurism into their songs and shows. Clinton released 10 solo albums outside of his work with the collective. He and fellow members of Parliament-Funkadelic were inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 1997 for their musical achievement.

For the memoir’s theatrical adaptation, not much has been shared on its expected release date or other casting. As for Murphy’s inclusion in the project, actress Catherine Davis reportedly introduced the idea to the famed actor-comedian, per Rolling Stone. Murphy will also help bring the project to life through his eponymously named production company.

As for Murphy and the attached director, the two began their professional relationship with 2006’s “Dreamgirls.” Also starring Jamie Foxx, Beyoncé Knowles-Carter, and Jennifer Hudson, the movie received 8 Oscar nominations, with Hudson winning Best Supporting Actress.

In the meantime, Murphy will also star in “The Pick Up,” with Keke Palmer and Pete Davidson in supporting roles. Amazon MGM Studios will release the film.

RELATED CONTENT: Eddie Murphy is Forbes’ Most Overpaid Actor

by Nahlah Abdur-Rahman

November 3, 2024

Kamala Harris Makes Debut On ‘Saturday Night Live’ In Cold Open Skit With Maya Rudolph

Harris has now joined the list of Presidential hopefuls who appeared on the show.

Kamala Harris has ended the “drama-la” with her “Saturday Night Live” debut. The vice president appeared in the Nov. 2 episode’s cold open skit with Maya Rudolph.

Harris confirmed rumors that she would appear on the show in the last episode ahead of Election Day. In the skit, Rudolph, who regularly plays the politician, wishes for someone who has “been in her shoes” to talk to. The Democratic nominee then appeared on the screen, garnering much applause from the audience.

“I’m just here to remind you, you got this,” Harris began. “Because you can do something your opponent cannot do: You can open doors.”

According to NBC News, Harris was referencing Trump, as the GOP nominee stumbled while opening a garbage truck door during a campaign stop. Following the initial jab at her opponent, the real and fictional Harris began to make rhymes with her first name. Harris often refers to herself as “Momala,” prompting others to add an “-ala” to the end of other words.

“Take my palm-ala,” said Rudolph. “The American people want to stop the chaos.”

Harris responded, “And end the dram-ala.”

The presidential hopeful also asked if she really laughed as depicted in Rudolph’s impression of her.

“I don’t really laugh like that, do I?” the politician inquired.

However, Rudolph stated otherwise, answering “a little bit.”

The two continued, ending wordplay by saying, “Keep calm-ala, and carry on-ala.”

To end the scene, Harris poked fun at her mission to win Pennsylvania. When Rudolph said she intended to vote for “us,” Harris asked if there was “any chance” she was registered in the battleground state. While Rudolph was not, the politician shared that it was “worth a shot” before introducing the show with the comedian.

Harris has now joined a growing tradition of presidential hopefuls appearing on the comedy variety show while on the campaign trail. She took a quick break from her stops in other battleground states, such as Georgia, to head to New York and join SNL for the evening.

Kemi Badenoch Becomes First Black Woman To Lead UK’s Conservative Party

by Daniel Johnson

November 3, 2024

Kemi Badenoch Becomes First Black Woman To Lead UK’s Conservative Party

Badenoch has been an ardent critic of 'wokeness' and identity politics.

Kemi Badenoch, an often controversial figure in British politics, has become the first Black woman to lead the United Kingdom’s Conservative Party after she won the party’s election against Robert Jenrich.

According to The New York Times, Badenoch is expected to move the party farther to the right and closer in ideology to its American cousins, the Republican Party. Although she toned down some of her rhetoric, she has in the past been an ardent critic of “wokeness” and identity politics.

Badenoch told a group of Conservative Party leaders after her win that representing the party as its leader was the honor of her life.

“It is the most enormous honor to be elected to this role, to lead the party that I love, the party that has given me so much,” Badenoch said, smiling after she was announced the winner of the election between herself and Jenrich. “I hope that I will be able to repay that debt.”

Badenoch only committed to a vow to “reset our politics and our thinking” and to be “honest about the fact that we made mistakes,” but did not give any policy proposals, which she was cagey about during her run for the position.

According to experts on the Conservative Party, this is highly unusual.

According to Tim Bale, a professor of politics and an expert on the Conservative Party at Queen Mary University of London, “It’s quite unusual to go into a leadership contest eschewing the idea that you need to put together policies for the party.”

Bale also described Badenoch as a “thinking man’s Thatcherite cultural warrior,” which is not a compliment at all, given Margaret Thatcher’s propensity to use terminology like “the enemy within” to refer to striking coal miners.

According to Dorian Lynskey, the author of 33 Revolutions Per Minute: A History of Protest Songs, “She (Thatcher) was such an oppositional figure, singling out certain enemies, for example, the Argentine junta, unions, travelers, people on benefits, the left wing in general. She was unflinching and vicious in her attacks on them.”

Lynskey continued, “There was a sense she was conducting a war on certain sections of society. She referred to the miners as ‘the enemy within.’ This just was not the way politicians talk about their citizens. (UK’s Prime Minister in 2013) David Cameron does not do that; Tories before Thatcher did not do that. That aspect enraged people because they felt she was treating them with rhetorical and political violence. That encouraged them to respond with their own violence.”

Despite being an immigrant herself, Badenoch has emphasized her Nigerian heritage and often references her humble beginnings, describing experiences of growing up “somewhere where the lights didn’t come on, where we ran out of fuel.” However, she has also been a vocal proponent of reducing immigration levels in England.

Badenoch is also a Brexiteer, popularized by a figure often described as Britain’s Donald Trump, former Prime Minister Boris Johnson. She rose rapidly within his administration and subsequently within the Conservative Party.

Her ascent has some worried that she could set back the causes of racial justice and equality in England due to her alignment with far-right views.

According to Sunder Katwala, director of the research institute British Future, “The question on the left is: Is this a cynical performative device by the right to champion an anti-woke, Black, right-wing politician to challenge antiracist policies, and therefore will it have regressive consequences?”

Civil Rights Hall of Fame, Mississippi, Jackson, Mayor Lumumba

by Nahlah Abdur-Rahman

November 3, 2024

Jackson, Mississippi, Mayor Lumumba Inducted Into National Civil Rights Hall Of Fame

Lumumba received the recognition despite undergoing scrutiny for his alleged involvement in a bribery scandal.

Chokwe Antar Lumumba, the mayor of Jackson, Mississippi, has been inducted into the National Civil Rights Hall of Fame.

The organization traveled to the Southern city on Nov. 2 to officially induct the elected official. At the ceremony, it presented Mayor Lumumba with a Gold Blazer on behalf of the National Civil Rights Library.

According to WLBT, the Mayor was awarded this distinction for his efforts toward social justice organizations. Lumumba was the son of the renowned radical Black activist Chowke Lumumba. As a revolutionary attorney, the elder Lumumba represented other Black activists, such as Black Liberation Army member Assata Shakur, and worked as a legal advocate for those facing legal action for acts of resistance. He later became mayor of Jackson in 2013 until his death a year later.

The junior Lumumba followed his father’s legacy by becoming mayor in 2017. He aimed to continue on his father’s political promises of participatory democracy and cooperative economics. As the youngest mayor in Jackson’s history, he launched an infrastructure improvement initiative to improve the city’s water.

According to the official website, his mayoral efforts led to wider access to clean water throughout Jackson. Moreover, he established the first policy in the state to release the names of officers involved in shootings.

Despite still intending to seek reelection in 2025, Lumumba has faced criticism for his alleged involvement in a bribery scandal while in office. The scandal has led two people, including former City Councilwoman Angelique Lee, to plead guilty to conspiracy to commit bribery.

Lee stepped down from her elected position hours before her federal indictment. She was accused of accepting bribes from two federal agents disguised as real estate developers, who offered the bribes to two elected officials.

Lumumba has maintained his innocence through the political controversy.

“I have never conspired with anyone to commit a crime,” stated Lumumba, as reported by the Clarion Ledger. “That’s the basis of it and that’s all that I will share. There may come a time and place where I will expound on that at an appropriate moment, but at this point in time that’s all I have to represent.”

shark tank, Black Entrepreneurs Day, Daymond, John, deal, stalker, grants, Black entrepreneurs

by Jeroslyn JoVonn

November 3, 2024

Daymond John Brings Black Entrepreneurs Day To Atlanta: $1M In Grants, Star Power From Kelly Rowland And 2Chainz

Daymond John shares what he has planned for the 5th annual Black Entrepreneurs Day in Atlanta.

Daymond John will mark the fifth anniversary of Black Entrepreneurs Day in Atlanta for the first time.

On Nov. 22, John’s signature Black Entrepreneurs Day (BED) will be taking over Atlanta’s historic Fox Theater for its celebration of Black Excellence and Opportunity. This year’s event is free for all to attend, and it includes branded activations that allow attendees to elevate their business and brand for the foreseeable future.

From insightful discussions with an inspiring lineup of guests to the NAACP Small Business Powershift Grant Program—which will award over $1 million in grants to more than 40 Black-owned businesses—Black Entrepreneurs Day offers everything a Black business owner needs to elevate their enterprise to the next level. This year’s event is a special one for John; in addition to hosting BED in Atlanta for the first time, the event will be live for all to enjoy.

“We’re doing it live this year, we’re always trying to enhance what we have,” John tells BLACK ENTERPRISE.

“I think that we also have added another element to it called the “Entrepreneur Plaza,” which, if you want to come earlier, you can come and a company like Constant Contact is taking headshots. Hilton for Business, Chase, Chase Wealth Management is there, U.S. Navy. So many different things are added to it.”

It’s set to be a star-studded event with special appearances from Grammy-winning artist and philanthropist Kelly Rowland, the iconic entertainer Flavor Flav, influential media personality Charlamagne tha God, Olympic gymnast Jordan Chiles (presented by J.P. Morgan Wealth Management), financial educators Rashad Bilal and Troy Millings from “Earn Your Leisure,” and a live performance by Atlanta’s own multiplatinum rapper 2Chainz presented by Raising Cane’s.

Under the NAACP Small Business Powershift Grant Program, entrepreneurs can apply for the Powershift Grant and become one of 40 businesses awarded a share of over $1 million in grants. This year, partners, including JPMorgan Chase, Hilton, T-Mobile for Business, and Constant Contact, will contribute a combined total of $100,000 in grants, with each individual grant valued at $25,000.

“We’re very passionate about what we do,” John says of the Black community. “I think that with the democratizing of the retail space with things like AI and social media, we can empower ourselves now. Support ourselves and support each other.”

Given the strong sponsorship support for BED 2024, John sees it as clear evidence that major corporations recognize the value of investing in the Black community, even in the face of opposition from anti-DEI efforts.

“There’s a lot of different other cultures who love to support us too. They love our music, they love our food, they love everything about us, and they just want to know how can they support us,” John notes.

“I think that if we look at that side of the aspect of it, I mean, we can never profit or thrive over the shortcoming, but we can always find these gems and these ways to grow off of what we are. And we’re a resilient people that everybody loves.”

Launched in 2020 to address the community’s challenges following events surrounding George Floyd, Black Entrepreneurs Day was established to shift the focus from hardship to empowerment. Committed to uplifting Black entrepreneurs, the event seeks to educate and inspire through conversations with iconic Black leaders and celebrity guests, features star-studded musical performances, and offers crucial financial support through the NAACP Powershift Grant program.

Tickets for Black Entrepreneurs Day 2024 are free and available for registration at BlackEntrepreneursDay.com now. Press play to learn more about this year’s event.

Mike Tyson, Jake Paul, Boxing, professional record, July 20, Texas Department of Licensing and Regulations

by Daniel Johnson

November 3, 2024

Ultimate Mike Tyson-Jake Paul Boxing Match ‘Experience’ Will Run You $2M

The long-awaited fight will be broadcast live on Netflix on Nov. 15.

If you want the ultimate MVP experience for the upcoming fight between Jake Paul and Hall of Fame boxer Mike Tyson, you will need to shell out $2 million to get it.

According to ESPN, Elevate designed the exclusive premium package dubbed the “MVP Owner’s Experience” to seat two people in a private suite less than six feet from ringside.

According to the consulting firm, it is the closest seating to the ring ever approved by Texas’ boxing regulators and features premium leather seats.

The package includes a pre-fight locker room visit with Paul and Tyson, a chance to appear onstage at the pre-fight weigh-in, autographed gloves from both boxers, a security detail, and personal concierge service during fight week.

This is in addition to receiving four seats in the first two rows at the Dallas Cowboys’ AT&T Stadium in Arlington, which seats 80,000 people.

Elevate and Paul’s Most Valuable Promotions, which he formed in 2021 with Nakisa Bidarian, joined forces to sell the MVP Owner’s Experience and other hospitality packages for the fight.

It remains to be seen if the fight itself will justify this particular price point. Tyson has previously indicated that he doesn’t see the fight going the distance unless he has to chase his quarry.

“If I don’t have to catch him, you can expect a Round 1 knockout,” Tyson said in an October news conference. “But I may have to catch him because I anticipate this guy running from me.”

Tyson also indicated that he has largely become a better person in retirement than he was as an active fighter.

“When I was fighting professionally, I was too stressed out,” Tyson said. “I never had a chance to relax or enjoy my championships because everything was coming at me. There were lawsuits and divorces. I never enjoyed myself as a human being. This is a moment in time when I can enjoy myself as a human being. I have better life skills now than I did while fighting.”

The fight will be broadcast live on Netflix on Nov. 15, and according to Front Office Sports, exists as part of the streaming giant’s $5 billion bet on streaming live sports, headlined by its deal with TKO, the parent company of WWE and TKO, that will see “Raw” (formerly “Monday Night Raw”) broadcast on Netflix but also picks up international rights for Netflix regarding “Smackdown,” “WrestleMania,” “SummerSlam,” and “Royal Rumble.”

Parents, Timeout Box, NY Elementary Students

by Mary Spiller

November 3, 2024

Restoration Underway: Oldest Black Schoolhouse In America From 18th-Century To Open As Museum

The Williamsburg Bray School will open its doors to the public as a historical education site next spring.

The oldest surviving schoolhouse for Black children in the United States is set to open its doors as a historical site for the public in the spring of 2025. The Williamsburg Bray School in Virginia is being restored carefully by historians and construction crews, aiming to preserve the history of a building that educated hundreds of Black children, both enslaved and free, from 1760 to 1774. The schoolhouse is expected to open to the public in 2025.

Although restoration has been in the works for quite some time, the crews have finally finished restoring and furnishing a main room on the first floor and have moved on to the next one. Their work has revealed original flooring and walling from 1760 to 18th-century tool marks on some of the original planks and wood. The construction crew and restorers have also reported finding a fragment of a writing plate, letters written by people who attended the Williamsburg Bray School, and original ceramic work from the time.

Colonial Williamsburg’s historic tradespeople—including blacksmiths, weavers, and bookbinders—have been working to create replicas of items that would have originally furnished the school, all in preparation for its public opening. Using 18th-century techniques, they are crafting items like desks, chairs, and books to fill the Williamsburg Bray School.

Ahead of the public opening, the historic structure was formally dedicated, with several figures sharing insights into the building’s rich history.

Colonial Williamsburg’s Executive Director of Architectural Preservation, Matt Webster, told Smithsonian Magazine, “You’re walking on the floors they walked on in 1760. When you touch the bottom post on the stairs, the wear, the rounded edges, that’s years of bumping and touching. Those types of things are all over the buildings.”

Nicole Brown, an American Studies scholar at William & Mary, added, “The opening of the building is deeply significant, but the work does not stop when the building opens.

According to Smithsonian Magazine, a London-based charity opened the Williamsburg Bray School in 1760 at the recommendation of founding father Benjamin Franklin. During the school’s 14 years of operation, a white woman named Ann Wager acted as the only teacher in the building. Wager reportedly taught around 400 students aged 3 and 10, and roughly 90% of the children were still enslaved at the time of their schooling. Wager taught the kids to read and write, sew, and mend clothes with a faith-based curriculum that provided literacy to many enslaved people who were barred access to education before Williamsburg Bray School.

RELATED CONTENT: Florida Colored School Gets Historic Marker