About the Film
The Ciesla Foundation is dedicated to producing documentaries with an uplifting social and historical message about unsung Jewish heroes. Our newest film project is Rosenwald, a documentary on the incredible story of how businessman and philanthropist Julius Rosenwald joined with African-American communities in the South to build schools for them during the early part of the 20th century. This historical partnership as well as the modern-day attempts to maintain or reconfigure the schools is a great dramatic story, yet too little-known.
Rosenwald Film Bonus: Teaching Guide
From the Blog
Though Rosenwald’s story is more than 100 years old, his lasting legacy is felt today. It amazes us to see the impact his philanthropy has had on generations of Americans.
JULIUS ROSENWALD: INNOVATIVE BUSINESSMAN, VISIONARY PHILANTHROPIST EVENT
In celebration of Black History Month, the Illinois State Society, in partnership with the Julius Rosenwald & Rosenwald Schools National Historical Park Campaign presents a discussion of the life of Julius Rosenwald....
Juneteenth and Questioning a President’s Legacy
Today we celebrate Juneteenth, the anniversary of Union Army General, Gordon Granger, announcing that all enslaved people in Texas were free. Texas was the most remote, and the last, state in the Confederacy to officially receive the news. In honor of the holiday, a...
Black Education Before Brown
“It’s a story that touches every pillar of my life,” says Andrew Feiler W’84. “I am Jewish, I am Southern, I am progressive. So, how could I never have heard of it?” The Atlanta-based photographer is referring to the history he explores in his latest book, A Better...
John Lewis: Together, You Can Redeem the Soul of Our Nation
Though I am gone, I urge you to answer the highest calling of your heart and stand up for what you truly believe.
A National Park for Julius Rosenwald, Rosenwald Schools Updating, and a Pi Day to Remember
A bill authored by House Democratic Reps. Steve Cohen of Tennessee and Danny Davis of Illinois (who is interviewed in Rosenwald) would establish a national park to honor Julius Rosenwald, the philanthropist who established schools throughout the South to remedy the afflictions of segregation. This week the Natural Resources Committee advanced the bill.