Old Rosenwald school to get commemorative sign

Central Davie Academy is a school that sits in Mocksville, NC, on a site that formerly played host to a Rosenwald school. The school, established in 1933 as Mocksville Colored Grade School, stood for many years- eventually becoming Mocksville Colored High School, Davie County Training School (where teachers were trained). The original Rosenwald school no longer stands, but new efforts are being made to commemorate the school with a historical sign near the current school’s flagpole.

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ROSENWALD screened as part of Martin Luther King Jr. Day commemoration

On January 18th, as part of a commemoration to Martin Luther King, Jr., Rosenwald was screened before a full house by the JCC Manhattan in New York City. The film was presented by Aviva, who held a small discussion as well. Among the attendees in the crowded JCC event was a woman who was a former teacher at a Rosenwald school.

The next day, Aviva attended another screening of Rosenwald in commemoration of Martin Luther King, Jr., this time in Washington, DC. Presenting the film with her and joining in on discussion was great civil rights leader, Wade Henderson, president and CEO of The Leadership Conference on Civil and Human Rights.

Aviva Kempner with Wade Henderson

Rosenwald plays at Longue Vue, home of Julius Rosenwald’s daughter, in New Orleans

Last weekend Aviva visited Longue Vue House & Gardens, the New Orleans home of Julius Rosenwald’s daughter Edith Stern, for a special screening of Rosenwald. Edith, like her father, was a gracious philanthropist, humanitarian, civil rights activist, and assisted in the establishment of Dillard University. The home now serves as not only a museum and garden, but a great learning facility for everyone with tours of the estate. While visiting, Aviva was able to join a tour and take some photos of the lovely household.

Gift Shop at the Longue Vue House & Gardens
A view of the garden fountain








A sculpture display of various plants- one of many art pieces found on display at the Longue Vue House
The culture and design of the house even spreads to the door knobs!

Needless to say, with a screening at such a historic place rich with culture and educational resources, the film drew a large crowd and filled the venue.

Aviva talks before a crowd at the Longue Vue screening
Aviva after the screening with Bill Hess (left) and Gilbert Rochon (interviewee, right)