James Solomon Russell/Saint Paul's College Museum and Archives

05/12/2026

In his TED Talk “Black Boys Do Read,” Malcolm Mitchell shares how discovering the power of reading transformed his life, breaking stereotypes and opening doors to new opportunities. His message aligns deeply with the educational mission of James Solomon Russell, founder of Saint Paul’s College in Lawrenceville, Virginia. Russell believed that education was the key to empowerment, especially for African Americans striving for progress in the post-Reconstruction South. Both Mitchell and Russell emphasize literacy as a foundation for freedom, self-worth, and community uplift. Just as Mitchell used books to reimagine his future, Russell built an institution grounded in the belief that knowledge could liberate minds and strengthen generations. We are so appreciative of our partnership and genuine relationship with Malcolm and future initiatives. We hope his TED Talk presentation will inspire you to support us as we honor James Solomon Russell and Saint Paul's College’s legacy by continuing to be positive influences on today's youth.

The response to this TEDx Video has been remarkable, and I wanted to share it with you.

I’ve been fortunate to speak to audiences across the country, but every once in a while there’s a message that feels especially important to share.

This TEDx talk was one of those moments.

In it, I share my journey from a reluctant reader to a literacy advocate, and why the story we tell about who gets to be a reader (especially for Black boys) matters more than we realize.

If your organization is looking for a speaker to spark conversations around leadership, literacy, resilience, and unlocking potential, feel free to send me a message.

I love connecting with people and speaking on topics that help shift perspective.

- Malcolm

Link to video - https://youtu.be/kqJVmogqzoQ?si=pMLjLLKqZZBdb6es

05/10/2026

05/04/2026

Here is a new just released resource opportunity for teachers/educators everywhere. We encourage you to get our museum friend Malcolm Mitchell’s new “Read Community” App. Just another way to provide reading information to help students become better readers.

04/29/2026

Here is a video of students enjoying Malcolm's comic in Senegal!

04/29/2026

Senegal, West Africa

The museum is so proud that through our partnership with our friend and museum advisory board member Malcolm Mitchell, our comic about Malcolm’s reading journey is now being used as a learning tool for students in Senegal, West Africa. Malcolm, the New England Patriots Super Bowl Champ, Author and founder of the Share the Magic Foundation/Read With Malcolm programs, has a friend who is teaching in Senegal, and he sent her some of his books and other educational materials, including our Malcolm Mitchell comic. The comic, created by the museum, traces the journey of Malcolm as he realized his deficiencies in reading and how he overcame them.

For the last three years, Malcolm has brought his program and books to students in Brunswick, Greensville, Sussex and Charles City Counties. He will be back next fall as we expand the program into more counties.

Thanks, Malcolm, for being a big part of the museum family and for sharing the comics with the students in Senegal and helping us to further the legacy of James Solomon Russell.

04/24/2026

Museum board member Teya Whitehead spent Wednesday morning with the Senior Citizen Outreach Program at Saint James Episcopal Church in Warfield. Members from various churches in the area attended the outreach program. The group was shown the documentary of the great James Solomon Russell, highlighting his enduring legacy through the James Solomon Russell – Saint Paul’s College Museum and Archives. Those attending thoroughly enjoyed the viewing experience and will be visiting the museum in May.

04/24/2026

Update on the Brunswick High School Spirit Rock

The museum wanted to give an update on the Spirit Rock at Brunswick High School. We posted a couple weeks ago that the art students wanted to have the rock moved to the flagpole in front of the Tech Center, so they could paint it. We had the rock moved with the help of our partners at Vulcan Materials and Fred's Towing, and provided funds for paint. The students have started work on the rock, and it looks great! The high school has some very talented art students. Great job!! We continue to carry the spirit and work of James Solomon Russell throughout the community.

04/20/2026

We were happy to welcome Brunswick’s own Tylik McMillan, who has recently been named as the NAACP's National Director of Youth and College, to the museum this past Saturday. Tylik was in town to speak at the Brunswick NAACP Freedom Fund Banquet. We had a great time showing him the museum and talking about all the different programs and work we are doing. We appreciate him taking the time to be with us, and we look forward to some possible future collaborations. Thanks, Tylik, we are so proud of the work you are doing. Keep moving forward.

Photo credit: Teya J. Whitehead

04/10/2026

Supporting Brunswick High School

The art students at Brunswick High School have been wanting to move a huge rock behind the cafeteria to the flagpole in front of the Tech Center to use as a spirit rock, but couldn’t get the rock moved and didn’t have the extra funds for the paint. The museum has been partnering with the students this spring, sponsoring several trips to museums in Richmond, so we decided to step up and help get their project moving forward. We provided paint and recently worked with the school and our partners at Vulcan Materials and Fred’s Towing to get the rock moved. Thanks to Vulcan and Fred’s Towing for their help with this project. We appreciate the support of Dr. Carter, Dr. Thornhill, and art instructor Tim Follikwei. We look forward to seeing the students’ artwork on the rock. We know they will do a great job. Thanks to museum board member Teya Whitehead for taking the photos. We continue to help foster new and exciting experiences where we can.

Photo credit: Teya J. Whitehead

04/09/2026

Promoting Literacy

The James Solomon Russell – Saint Paul’s College Museum and Archives Board of Directors participated with Brunswick County Public Schools for the Annual Parent Literacy Night recently. Board Member Regina Gordon provided parents and students with copies of comics featuring James Solomon Russell, Malcolm Mitchell, Jimmy Matthews, and Waverly Person, along with instructional handouts aligned to the VDOE ELA standards to support and promote literacy at home.

04/08/2026

We would also like to take a moment to thank our museum Program Partners, who provide help, guidance, and support for all the work, programs, and activities we are involved with at the museum. Thanks for being a part of the museum family.