Booker & Olivia

Episode 3: Something Bigger

Booker T. Washington has found the land, but turning it into a school is another matter. The arrival of his brother John gives the struggling operation a much-needed boost, but it is Olivia Davidson who changes everything.

While Booker sees a small school, Olivia sees an institution that could transform the South. She pushes Booker to demand more from the money men, recruit more students, and dream bigger than he ever has before. Her ambition inspires John, but worries Fanny, who fears Olivia's relentless determination may lead Booker down a dangerous path.

Haunted by the violent loss of her brother and the destruction of her last school, Olivia refuses to let fear dictate her future. As opposition mounts and old wounds resurface, she rides into the countryside with a simple message: a better life is possible for those willing to reach for it.

Special thanks to Stephen Hill, Shayna Small, Antoine Medley, Michael Armstrong, Issa Barrett, Sharon Graves, Lele Jones, Emma Sutphin, Jocelyn Monroe and my agent James Sarnoff. 

Episode 2: Find The Land

Booker T. Washington arrives in Alabama with his new wife, Fanny, expecting to lead a school. Instead, he discovers there is no school—only a promise and a patch of land waiting to be found. As Booker searches the countryside for a place to build his vision, he sends a letter to the one person he believes can help make it real: Olivia Davidson.

Back in Massachusetts, Olivia finds herself trapped in work far beneath her abilities. Haunted by the loss of her brother and the collapse of a school they once built together, she has little interest in Booker's latest dream. But as opportunities close around her and her talents continue to be overlooked, Olivia must decide whether to settle for the life others have chosen for her—or take a chance on the uncertain future Booker offers.

Special thanks to Stephen Hill, Shayna Small, Antoine Medley, Michael Armstrong, Issa Barrett, Sharon Graves, Lele Jones, Emma Sutphin, Jocelyn Monroe and my agent James Sarnoff. 

After a failed attempt to start a school of his own, a young Booker T. Washington returns to Hampton Institute searching for direction. There he impresses his mentor, General Armstrong, but also finds himself in trouble after crossing a social boundary he barely understands.

At Hampton, Booker meets Olivia Davidson, a gifted teacher frustrated by the limits placed on women. When an opportunity arises to establish a new school in Tuskegee, Alabama, Booker asks Olivia to join him. Her response forces him to confront a hard truth: the world is not as fair—or as simple—as he believes.

Before he can build a school, Booker must find his way.

Special thanks to Stephen Hill, Shayna Small, Antoine Medley, Michael Armstrong, Issa Barrett, Sharon Graves, Lele Jones, Emma Sutphin, Jocelyn Monroe and my agent James Sarnoff. 

Booker’s world is shattered when he loses his wife, Fanny,  leaving him with a newborn and a mission that feels impossible to carry on. As the weight of grief bears down, a Watch Night celebration forces him to confront the question on everyone’s mind: Will Booker and Olivia keep fighting for the school, or let it all go, as they face the difficult choice to stand firm when the odds say run.

Hampton Institute sends favorite son, young Booker T., on a mission to the dangerous Deep South to develop a school from the ground up.  Booker navigates tricky alliances, pitfalls and stifling southern customs to protect his fledgeling school from being  burned to ashes. Will Olivia, a special friend from the Hampton days, be just the partner he needs to make his school successful? 

Booker & Olivia push on, in the face of supply shortages, lazy students, and cotton businessmen who want their labor back in the field and not in Booker's classroom. 

On America's birthday, July 4th, Booker and Olivia meet hopefuls for the new school but fireworks really start when the local Ruffians drop in, determined to get everyone back  in the fields. Will Booker and Olivia ever be able to  get them off the fields and into the  new classrooms?

Olivia joins Booker down South and plans to scale  things up,  while Booker plays it cautious, not to offend the locals.

Booker journeys to the Deep South,  and scouts for good stake of land to raise up his school. Olivia returns to her old school Framingham and learns just how valued she is there.  Memories of an earlier trouble in the Deep South, still haunt Olivia but will Booker be able to entice her to come help him build a school?

Newly graduated and floundering in the real world, Booker returns to Hampton, his  "Home By Sea"  and rises to the tasks given to him by mentor, General Armstrong. But is he up to a new challenge, which means journeying to the dangerous Deep South and expanding Hampton's mission.