JULIUS ROSENWALD by Peter Ascoli

Many of you may know Peter Ascoli- as well as being a grandson of Julius Rosenwald, he is featured prominently in our film, in which he served as a consultant. A graduate of the University of Chicago, he also holds a BA from Oxford, a Masters from Northwestern, and a PhD from UC Berkeley. He’s known to many people as many different things- Professor, consultant, fundraiser- and author.

Julius Rosenwald: The Man Who Built Sears, Roebuck and Advanced the Cause of Black Education in the American South by Peter Ascoli

Ascoli has written a detailed biography of his grandfather’s life in his book, Julius Rosenwald: The Man Who Built Sears, Roebuck and Advanced the Cause of Black Education in the American South. If you enjoyed the movie and want to learn more about Julius Rosenwald, then this book will offer you plenty of great insights in to the life of the great philanthropist. The book is published by Indiana University Press and is available through their website and through Amazon.com, available in both trade paperback and hardcover, as well as on Kindle.

Rosenwald gets a mention in the Teaching for Change newsletter

Today, Teaching for Change listed the film Rosenwald as a learning resource in their newsletter about the Mississippi Civil Rights Movement! The newsletter also featured a great deal of other valuable resources, several available learning opportunities, and Civil Rights Movement events. You can learn more about Teach for Change and sign up for their mailing list by visiting their website.

Teaching for Change provides teachers and parents with the tools to create schools where students learn to read, write and change the world.”

Rosenwald completes its run at the Avalon Theater

Rosenwald opened on August 28th at the Avalon Theatre, DC’s independent movie theatre, and played for a wonderful eight weeks. As the theatre is located close to The Ciesla Foundation and was saved by us in the community, this run was very significant. Audiences in the Washington, DC area came in droves to the theatre where lively discussions were held. Director Aviva Kempner was surprised on the film’s last night, October 22nd, when flowers were presented to her from the talented Brian Henderson, who designed the film’s poster. Thanks to Brian and the wonderful audiences who came to see the movie!

Aviva with her flowers from Brian!

New Gallery Opening Thanks to Past Donation by Jacob Lawrence

A new art gallery on the Lower East Side of Manhattan will be opening this week, giving art lovers everywhere a chance to check out some fresh works. This gallery is no average institution, however: it’s funded by a donation left by Jacob Lawrence and his wife Gwendolyn, before Jacob’s untimely death in 2000.

Equity Gallery is founded by the New York Artists Equity Association, or Artists Equity for short. Mr. Lawrence was a long-time member of Artists Equity and even served as its president. He and his wife were avid supporters.

The gallery is located at 245 Broome Street and will be open starting Wednesday. The opening show is titled 2015:1947 and will feature paintings, sculptures and videos by eight different artists.

Jacob Lawrence’s Great Migration paintings and backstory can be found featured prominently in the Rosenwald film.