On this date in 1796, an African Free School opened in New York. It was the the first school for Blacks in America opened.

The African Free School began in New York City by the Manumission Society. The African Free School commenced as a one-room school and the first permanent build was erected in later that year. After a fire destroyed the building, African School No. 2 opened in 1815, with room for 500 pupils.