Julius Rosenwald was inducted into the National Museum of American Jewish History on May 18th of this year. Be sure to check out Cory Booker’s erudite remarks at the Only in America Gala on Julius Rosenwald’s legacy, American equality growth, and Langston Hughes’ timeless poem, Let America Be America.
Watch Senator Booker’s full speech here and read more about this event on The Jewish Exponent.
“>Julius Rosenwald impacted lives when he was building schools, when the schools were built, and even still today when much of the school network is long gone. One of the boons of this project has been being able to see how many people are still touched by Rosenwald’s influence today. Not a week goes by without Ciesla being swamped with stories, stories from the past about a grandfather who got his education in a Rosenwald school and went on to become a doctor, stories about Julius Rosenwald’s legacy reaching through time and touching lives still today. We received this week a story about a woman in Mississippi whose great grandfather attended a Rosenwald school in Mississippi. The Rosenwald legacy echoes loudly, you just need to know what to listen for.
Congressman John Lewis last week was honored with the National Book Award for his work March: Book Three. The congressman made reference to his time in a Rosenwald school as a youth and spoke about the nation today, and the future he sees and hopes for. Although Rosenwald may have died many years ago, those touched by his life are still being honored for their exceptional additions to society; and through extension thus honor Julius Rosenwald.
Staunton, VA: Rosenwald screened at Mary Baldwin University last week. The local synagogue and local African-American church co-hosted the screening. This partnership undeniably would have made Julius Rosenwald smile. Rosenwald school alumni from neighboring Waynesboro spoke after the film about their experiences going to a Rosenwald school and being given an opportunity in a time when few opportunities were given to those of color. After the discussion it was formerly decided to start a local Jewish/African-American coalition. Rosenwald would be proud that we still strive to come together in a divisive time.
The National Trust announced this month that they will be parting ways with Tracy Hayes and Katherine Carey; two people instrumental in the National Trust’s continued involvement with the preservation and support of the Rosenwald School network. It has been stressed that the departure of Tracy and Katherine should indicate no diminishment in the Trust’s continued support of the schools and their continued dedication to restoration and funding of Rosenwald schools. Under the leadership of these two women, the National Trust secured the Rosenwald school’s place on the 11 Most Endangered Historic Places list, partnered with Fisk University in a massive archival effort to preserve Rosenwald artifacts, gathered 2.5 million of grant money for the school, and numerous other accomplishments to the betterment of Julius Rosenwald’s legacy.
Tracy was especially helpful in the making of the Rosenwald film. We hope that the movement to restore the schools continues. In our upcoming DVD release of the film, included will be four hours of extras and a whole section on the measures taken to restore Rosenwald schools.
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