Watch Rosenwald

Rosenwald is a documentary film that tells the story of Julius Rosenwald, a wealthy Jewish businessman and philanthropist who made a significant impact on African American education in the early 20th century. Directed by Aviva Kempner, the film features interviews with historians, civil rights leaders, and Rosenwald's descendants, as well as archival footage and photographs.

The film begins by introducing Rosenwald's background and upbringing, revealing the values he inherited from his father and the experiences that shaped his worldview. Born in 1862 in Springfield, Illinois, Rosenwald grew up in a family that prized education and social justice. After his father's death, he turned to business to support his family, eventually rising to become the president of Sears, Roebuck and Company.

As Rosenwald's wealth increased, so did his philanthropic interests. In 1912, he attended a meeting of Booker T. Washington's Tuskegee Institute, where he was struck by the lack of resources available to black schools in the South. He decided to devote his considerable resources to the cause of education, with a focus on building schools for black children.

Rosenwald partnered with Washington to establish the Rosenwald Fund, a foundation that provided matching grants to communities that wanted to build schools. The film shows the impact of these grants, with interviews and footage of people who attended or taught in Rosenwald schools. These schools were often the only formal education available to black children in their communities, and they produced an impressive number of notable alumni, including poet Maya Angelou and musician Quincy Jones.

The film also delves into Rosenwald's personal life, including his relationships with his family and his Jewish heritage. Rosenwald's commitment to social justice was shaped by his Jewish identity, and the film explores the connections between Judaism and the civil rights movement.

One of the most powerful aspects of Rosenwald is its emphasis on community involvement in the school-building process. The film highlights the role of local organizers in identifying sites for schools and raising the necessary funds. These organizers included African American leaders like Washington and W.E.B. Du Bois, as well as Jewish organizations that supported the Rosenwald Fund's efforts.

Throughout the film, there is a sense of collaboration and mutual respect between Rosenwald and the black communities he sought to serve. Rosenwald understood that he could not simply impose his own ideas on these communities, but had to listen to their needs and work with them as partners. This approach is a model for philanthropy that is still relevant today.

The film also examines Rosenwald's impact beyond education. He supported a wide range of causes, including the NAACP, the National Urban League, and Jewish relief efforts during World War I. His work helped to promote racial and social justice in the United States and around the world.

Overall, Rosenwald is a compelling portrait of a remarkable man whose legacy continues to inspire today. The film is informative and engaging, offering a complex and nuanced understanding of Rosenwald's philanthropy and its impact on American history. It is a testament to the power of individual action and the importance of community involvement in creating positive change.