Harvey B. Gantt Center for African-American Arts+Culture

On February 8th, Aviva Kempner was invited by Valaida Fullwood to attend a special screening of Rosenwald at the Harvey B. Gantt Center for African-American Arts + Culture in Charlotte, NC. After the screening, Aviva took part in a Q&A session with the guests at the Gantt Center. The screening was part of the Black History Month celebration, and was in part a promotion for the Levine Museum exhibit, “The Soul of Philanthropy”. The exhibit will remain open until February 28th.

The event was hosted by the New Generation of African American Philanthropists in collaboration with the Harvey B. Gantt Center for African-American Arts + Culture.

Additionally, it is interesting to note that the Center also recently played host to a great exhibit called, “Art of a New Deal: African-American Artists in the WPA,” the displayed art from Jacob Lawrence, Charles White, and Hale Woodruff, who all also received a Rosenwald fund.

Native Son finally sees a complete and unedited release

Thanks to the Library of Congress, the film based on the best selling novel, Native Son, will finally be screened uncensored and in its entirety at Museum of Modern Art. The film, which features dialogue written by the novel’s author, Richard Wright, also places him in the lead role of Bigger. Richard Wright was also the recipient of a Rosenwald fund.

You can read more about the story in the New York Times article, here.

ROSENWALD screening at the National Archives

the National Archives’ William G. McGowan Theater

On February 4th, David S. Ferriero, Archivist of the United States, opened up the evening at the National Archives with a warm introduction for the film, Rosenwald, as well as for Aviva Kempner and author, journalist, and president of the National Archives Foundation A’Lelia Bundles. Bundles also appears in the film.

Archivist David S. Ferriero

The showing saw a large turnout as many enthusiastic viewers stayed for a chance to listen to Aviva and A’Lelia discuss the film after the screening.

A’Lelia Bundles

Photos by Bruce Guthrie.

¡Aviva Las Vegas!

On January 24th, Aviva Kempner headed out to Las Vegas, Nevada for the 14th Annual Las Vegas Jewish Film Festival. Aviva spoke at the screening with Leslie Smith Rosen, the Head of Upper School for AEC, and drew a very enthusiastic crowd.

Aviva Kempner with Joshua Abbey, director of the Las Vegas Jewish Film Festival

Upon her return to Washington DC, Aviva attended a screening held by George Washington University’s Department of Religion. Aviva was joined by Stephanie Deutsch, who was interviewed in the film.

Stephanie Deutsch (left) and Aviva Kempner (right)

Also attending the screening was Lawrence Perry, who had attended a Rosenwald School. He was greatly appreciative of the films creation and loved seeing it.

Lawrence Perry and Aviva Kempner