Virtual Speaker Event about Julius Rosenwald's Legacy in the South
Join PCW for a virtual speaker event about Julius Rosenwald, 20th Century Jewish businessman/philanthropist: "A history lesson on investing in educational opportunity and cultural leadership for African Americans." The discussion will be led by Stephanie Deutsch, author of Rosenwald's epic story and wife of Rosenwald's great-grandson, along with Dorothy Canter s53 P92, founding president of the Rosenwald National Historical Park campaign.
About Julius Rosenwald
Born in 1862 in Springfield IL – a son of German Jewish immigrants and a neighbor of Abraham Lincoln – Julius Rosenwald led Sears, Roebuck to become the retailing powerhouse of the early 20th century. Practicing the principle of tzedakah (justice through charity), he chose to invest his wealth in people in ways that continue to pay dividends. Inspired by his friendship with Booker T. Washington, his primary contribution was building more than 5000 schools across the South in partnership with African American communities. He also supported a fellowship fund to support more than 900 young talented artists, writers, and scholars who developed a cadre of leaders for Black culture and civil rights.
Rosenwald’s epic story was told in a book by Stephanie Deutsch published in 2011, and in a documentary film by Aviva Kempner in 2015 that sparked public awareness and admiration. The film prompted Dorothy Canter (s53, P92) to serve as founding President of the Rosenwald National Historical Park campaign since 2016 to commemorate his life and honor his legacy.
About the Event
Stephanie, whose husband is Rosenwald's great-grandson, will present the highlights of her book “You Need A Schoolhouse: Booker T. Washington, Julius Rosenwald and the Building of Schools for the Segregated South”. Dorothy Canter s52 P92 will share the campaign’s mission, plans, and progress. This speaker event will include ample time for Q&A and discussion of his relevance to the racial reckoning and justice initiatives of our current civil rights era.
To Learn More about Julis Rosenwald
- https://www.amazon.com/You-Need-Schoolhouse-Washington-Segregated/dp/0810131277/ref=sr_1_1?dchild=1&keywords=stephanie+deutsch&qid=1618234482&sr=8-1
- https://www.npca.org/articles/2167-he-built-schools-to-fight-injustice-and-i-want-you-to-know-his-story
- https://www.rosenwaldpark.org/
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When: Tuesday, May 4th (8:00 PM ET) Where: Online - Zoom link will be circulated to registrants.
RSVP: Please click here.
Questions? Please contact PCW Program Chair Hilary Bernstein '14.