| When Maryland Sen. Cheryl Kagan (D)– a nationally ranked Scrabble player— learned that her next tournament would take place at a former Rosenwald School, she saw an opportunity to connect her love of wordplay with some extraordinary and little-known American history.
Sears Roebuck President and philanthropist Julius Rosenwald, in collaboration with educator Booker T. Washington built 5,300+ schools across the Jim Crow South in the early 20th century. These schools offered Black students access to quality education and operated from as early as 1918 to the late 1950s after schools were desegregated. The Scrabble School in Scrabble, Virginia (no kidding!) is one of roughly 500 that still stand today, preserved and in active use.
To educate her fellow Scrabblers, Sen. Kagan has arranged for a special screening of filmmaker Aviva Kempner’s award-winning documentary Rosenwald at the tournament. Kempner believes that, “Julius Rosenwald’s story is a vital part of the long history of the Jewish and African-American partnership.”
Senator Kagan said, “As Black History Month concludes, I’m thrilled to celebrate the history of African-Americans and Jews working together in the segregated South.”
Virginia Sen. Bryce Reeves (R) bragged, “As the Senator for Scrabble, Virginia, I’m proud that this local landmark is being spotlighted.”
WHO: MD Sen. Cheryl Kagan (D) and VA Sen. Bryce Reeves (R), along with seasoned Scrabble competitors and newcomers! DC-based filmmaker Aviva Kempner. Tournament Director Andy Hoang, an expert Scrabble player and UVA medical student.
WHAT: A two-day, 15-match national Scrabble tournament. The documentary will be screened Saturday at 6:30pm, followed by a Zoom Q&A with the movie’s director.
WHEN: Saturday, February 28 & Sunday, March 1, 2026
WHERE: A former Rosenwald School, the Scrabble Schoolhouse: 111 Scrabble Rd, Castleton, VA 22716 (Castleton is located about 90 minutes from DC.)
FUN FACT: Rather than cash prizes for winners, this tournament raises awareness and donations for the Scrabble School Preservation Foundation to maintain this historic building, which operates as a Senior Center.
MORE DETAILS: Watch the compelling 2.5 minute trailer for the documentary.
NOTE: On Sunday, there will be a three-game “Newcomers” tournament for those interested in playing Scrabble and improving their skills!
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(410) 841-3134
Cheryl.Kagan@senate.state.md.us