George Bell (activist)

George Bell (c. 1761–1843) was an American 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]

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]

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]

Bell died in Washington, D.C., in 1843.^[1]