If you're interested in #phled and Philly history, I've got a mini-thread for you.

Most people assume that Richard Wright Elementary in North Philly is named after the novelist, Richard Wright. Not true!

Actually, the school is named after Richard R. Wright, a pioneering minister, educator, and banker.

Born into slavery in 1855, Wright lived most of his adult life in Georgia. In fact, he was the first president of the college that would become Savannah State.

Wright left Georgia in his mid-60s after a bank teller assaulted his daughter.

He moved to Philadelphia and almost immediately founded his own bank, Citizens' and Southern Banking Company, at 19th and South.

This critical institution helped launch thousands of Black-owned businesses.

So what's the connection to #phled?

Well, Wright was an educator himself, and...

His daughter, Ruth Wright Hayre, became a legendary local educator -- eventually ascending to school board president. But here's the real kicker...

Wright founded his bank with help from the Negro Teachers Association.

So basically Black teachers helped start one of the most important financial institutions in Philly history.

And on the 100th anniversary of that institution's founding, a shout out to #phled teachers!

If you want to learn more about Richard R. Wright and the bank he founded, check out these great articles by the Goin' North project:

https://goinnorth.org/exhibits/show/charles-ealy/citizens-and-southern

https://goinnorth.org/exhibits/show/ruth-wright-hayre/wright-family-legacy

(Also should add that Richard R. Wright had a son named Richard R. Wright Jr....who was also a big deal and helped co-found the bank. So arguably the school is named after both of them since I don't think it has a Sr. or Jr. in the official title.)