In today’s political landscape, African American history faces unprecedented challenges, as if it never occurred, to obscure the truth and hinder future generations from learning and progressing. African American history, a reflection of strength, occupies an important role in society. In the face of numerous challenges, the African American community persists in its pursuit of equality. The melodies of our forebears, from the rhythm of the slavery era of ‘I Be So Glad…When the Sun Goes Down’ to the Civil Rights Movement’s ‘Keep Your Eyes on the Prize,’ illuminate a path of hope for future generations.
These iconic songs evoke important moments in African American history, encouraging current and future generations to experience the music and melodies of our ancestors. Preserving history involves more than safeguarding artifacts; it encompasses the education and inspiration of young people, nurturing their creativity and technological skills to uphold the legacy of Black history and culture.
The Exclusive Press (EP) will delve into the Two Six Labs, a remarkable example of revitalizing history despite its apparent decline. This initiative, dedicated to preserving African American history, stands as a symbol of hope for what lies ahead. Two Six Labs, an innovation-driven school, is leveraging its resources and expertise to safeguard and celebrate African American history through creative educational initiatives and the restoration of the historic location.
DREAMVILLE TURN REALITYVILLE
Two Six Labs, inaugurated on February 27, 2025, serves as a creative school and STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Art, and Mathematics) lab, situated in the historic Orange Street School in Fayetteville, NC. The Two Six Project, a non-profit organization, encompasses the lab committed to fostering creativity, nurturing technological skills, and empowering the youth of underserved communities to shape their futures.
This collective of forward-thinking individuals, spearheaded by founders Isaiah Grant Bennett and Cobie Vance along with the Two Six Project team, embodies the essence and enthusiasm of “Dreamville,” a term inspired by rap mogul and Fayetteville native J. Cole. Here, aspirations flourish as dreams are transformed into “Reality-ville,” bolstered by community support and collaborations with industry leaders like Nike, Google, and Microsoft to breathe new life into a school that had stood empty for thirty-eight years.
Historic classroom, music lab, and Two Six Labs creative computer lab and workspace; Photo Credit: Tracey Morrison/The Exclusive Press
In 2020, amidst the Black Lives Matter protests, City View reports that the Orange Street School Historical Association and local Black activist group, The Ville’s Voice, gathered outside The Market House in downtown Fayetteville in hopes of preserving the building and transforming it into a community center, along with their initiative to clean it for tutoring during the pandemic, highlighting the strength of community in safeguarding our history, according to the news outlet.
HISTORY IN THE MAKING
In 1915, the historic all-Black school was established by visionary figures James Waddell, a contractor, and Edward Evans, who took on the role of the school’s first principal. The facility accommodated both an elementary and high school until its closure in 1956. The building served as storage and office space for thirty years until the Orange Street Restoration and Historical Association acquired the deed to the property in 1986. In 1987, a year later, it was added to the National Register of Historic Places. Almost four decades later, as history appeared to fade, the Two-Six Project upheld the legacy of its founders, Wadell and Evans, in their efforts to rejuvenate the school.
Artifacts and plaque inside of the newly designed Two Six Labs; Photo Credit: Tracey Morrison/The Exclusive Press
During the tour of the school following the ribbon-cutting ceremony, the interior showcases historical artifacts, a music lab supported by the Sandhills Jazz Society, thoughtfully designed classrooms, and a well-equipped creative computer lab and workspace adorned with a large Two-Six Project art mural by local Gallery13 artist Carlos Tolentino, along with portraits of notable figures from the “26,” such as J. Cole and Dennis Smith Jr.
BIGGER THAN CULTURE MOMENT
The school embodies the community’s history and functions as a cultural center, highlighting the city’s vibrant Black heritage. It serves as a powerful reflection of the strength and ingenuity of the African American community. Bennett has faith in the futures of Black individuals. As an organization, the Two-Six labs embodies that spirit by opening the building in collaboration with remarkable non-profit organizations. Bennett expressed, “It’s a priority for us, and we’re eager to explore what we can create,” during an interview with the Exclusive Press (EP). The lab, rooted in the belief of championing dreams, also functions as an incubator for collaborative programming and events in partnership with Fayetteville-Cumberland Parks and Recreation.
L-R: Theolive Washington of the Orange Street School Historical Association, Dre’Shawn “DJ Ricoveli” Spearman member of the Two Six Project, and Fayetteville Mayor Mitch Colvin and former NBA star and Fayetteville native, Dennis Smith Jr; Photo Credit: Tracey Morrison/The Exclusive Press
Mr. Gibson from Parks and Rec graciously permitted us to utilize our space in the school. We have always desired a physical location where we could take our children. Our organization has never had one. This organization has been present for five years, seeking a space to nurture leaders and establish a sense of belonging. It seems to be a prominent thought for us.
Bennett acknowledged Mr. Gibson, stating, “It was the opportunity for Mr. Gibson to allow us to spearhead this.” Bennett acknowledged Mr. Gibson, stating, “It was the opportunity for Mr. Gibson to allow us to spearhead this.”
The opening ceremony of the Two Six Labs at Fayetteville historic Orange Street School District and Two Six Project founder, Grant Bennett interview with WRAL reporter, Gilbert Baez – February 27, 2025; Photo Credit: Tracey Morrison/The Exclusive Press
Theolive Washington, who manages the Orange Street School Historical Association, is an alumnus of the historic school. An emotionally overwhelmed Washington confessed that he feared the school’s history would be lost. He shared with the EP the poignant moment of witnessing the younger generation preserving the dream by reviving history and bringing the school back to life. Washington expressed that this school is essential for young individuals to nurture their talents and find a space to sing, create, and engage with music.
Bennett is committed to honoring the legacy of the past while leveraging the organization’s resources to nurture future innovators through its creative and STEAM lab. Bennett also expressed that the younger generation, including himself, bears a responsibility to carry forward the legacy established by visionaries, ensuring that the future remains connected to the past.
