Nationwide — Anita Lewis and Gwendolyn Ebron, two African American educators from Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, taught a Black history class for 33 hours straight in an attempt to set a world record. Their marathon lesson covered 5,000 years of African and African-American history, streamed online for viewers around the globe.
The marathon took place from Friday, February 27, to Saturday, February 28, at Enon Tabernacle Baptist Church, according to People. They aimed to surpass the previous record of 26 hours and 34 minutes, set in 2018 at the University of North Texas.
Lewis came up with the idea after earning her doctorate and wanted a meaningful challenge. She connected with Ebron through Urban Intellectuals, an organization dedicated to promoting positive Black history and culture. Together, they carefully planned the 33-hour lesson, arranged witnesses, and secured a certified timekeeper to document the attempt for Guinness World Records.
The two women taught almost nonstop, taking only a five-minute break each hour. Their lessons highlighted key events, influential figures, and the contributions of African people across centuries. The event was livestreamed, allowing people beyond Philadelphia to follow along while the educators prepared their evidence for Guinness.
Audience members praised their dedication and stamina. “When I see their strength, I see me,” one attendee said. Lewis and Ebron hope their record attempt inspires others to learn and pass on Black history to future generations.
“This is more than a record attempt — it is a reclamation,” Ebron said. “We are teaching the history that shaped the world, honoring the brilliance, resilience, and global impact of African people across millennia.”