Today, August 12th, would have been Julius Rosenwald’s 151st birthday, and coincidentally The Rosenwald Schools production received a “gift” today from the National Center for Jewish Film: some moving images of J.R. we hadn’t seen before in a 1914 film about the Agro-Joint, a program supported by Rosenwald that economically empowered Jews who were facing discrimination in Russia and other countries.
It was on this day in 1912 that Rosenwald first started becoming a prominent philanthropist. On his birthday of that year, he announced gifts totaling $687,500 to various Chicago institutions (the West Side Charities, the University of Chicago, a social workers “Country Club”) in a move that was reported on in newspapers across the country, including the two New York papers pictured below.
1. Front page, New-York Tribune, Aug 12, 1912, LOC
2. Page 7, The Sun, Aug 13, 1912, LOC
As part of his birthday gifts, J.R. also made a $25,000 donation to Tuskegee Institute for Booker T. Washington to disburse as he saw fit. That money ended up going towards the pilot program for the Rosenwald Schools, a school-building program that would last until 1930 and result in over 5,000 rural schools for African American chidren.
At the outset of his career as a philanthropist (which began, unlike some other notable figures, while he was still heavily involved with Sears operations) Rosenwald seems to already have the clear philosophy of giving that would govern his philanthropy until he died. As he says in The Sun article above: “I do not believe in the practice of giving money away after death. I believe in seeing the money that is not necessary being used for the help and betterment of others. It is a great satisfaction… We should give while we live and not when we are gone.”
Aviva Kempner took a trip to California during late July and early August to promote Rosenwald, screening the film at various theaters throughout the area to many wonderful crowds.
First, a preview screening of Rosenwald was held at the Museum of Tolerance in Los Angeles, CA on July 27th where it was warmly received in a packed house. The event was held in collaboration with the NAACP Hollywood Bureau and TheWrap. After the show, Sharon Waxman, journalist and founder of TheWrap, interviewed the director Aviva Kempner. Among those in the audience were actor Shelly Berman, who has a brief appearance in the film and director Arthur Hiller, former president of the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences, with his family.
Pictured: Sharon Waxman (left) and Aviva Kempner (right)
On July 31st, Aviva Kempner returned to the Castro Theatre in San Francisco to screen her fourth film at the wonderful San Francisco Jewish Film Festival. Started as the first Jewish Film Festival in the world in 1980, the festival has gone on for over 35 years, where it has continued to be one of the largest Jewish film festivals.
In 2009, Aviva Kempner was awarded the Freedom of Expression Award from the San Francisco Film Festival for her work on Yoo-Hoo, Mrs. Goldberg!
After the screening of Rosenwald, Aviva Kempner and Julius Rosenwald’s grandson, Peter Ascoli, were welcomed to the stage to answer questions by a standing ovation. In the audience were a dozen West Coast members of the Rosenwald family who enthusiastically embraced the movie.
The Marquee of the Castro Theatre in San Francisco
After the screening at the San Francisco Film Festival, on August 2nd Aviva headed over to the Official screening of Rosenwald for the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences at the Samuel Goldwyn Theater in Beverly Hills. The screening was followed by a Q&A with Aviva, moderated by Patt Morrison (LA Times). Among Academy members was Kempner’s favorite European actor, Armin Mueller Stahl.
The following day, Aviva attended a preview screening of the film for Reel Talk at the Landmark Theater in Los Angeles. The screening was also followed by a Q&A- moderated by Reel Talk host, Stephen Farber. Kempner’s favorite American actor, Ed Asner in the audience.
Aviva Kempner was joined by Elizabeth Varet and Ed Asner
July 15th- The NAACP holds their 106th National Convention in Philadelphia, PA. It was an honor to have a special screening of Rosenwald for convention attendees, only hours after President Obama spoke at the convention. Board member and rabbi David Saperstein, former NAACP chair Julian Bond, and Aviva Kempner appeared on a panel after the screening. Many members of the audience were reminiscing about attending the Rosenwald Schools. Convention attendees might have recognized a familiar face in the film, as an interview with former NAACP head, Ben Jealous, is shown. The film also contains interviews with many prominent African American figures and activists.
Pictured (left to right): Rabi David Saperstein, Julian Bond, and Aviva Kempner
Pictured (left to right): Julian Bond, Pam Horowitz, Aviva Kempner, Maxim ThornePictured (left to right): Julian Bond, Aviva Kempner, Eli Evans (interviewee), Dr. Hasia Diner (interviewee), speaking after the screening of the film.
Aviva Kempner and her crew took to the streets on July 4 to raise awareness about her upcoming film, Rosenwald. Marching with Councilwoman Mary Cheh in the Palisades Parade, the team handed out fliers and lollipops to the many spectators who line the streets annually to view the parade. Thankfully it didn’t “rain on our parade” as it had been expected to. Rosenwald opens in theatres August 14 so be sure to check your local listings and march on in to the theatre nearest you!
Race relations have been a tense topic since the inception of the United States. From 200 years of slavery, to race riots in major cities, and overall institutionalized discrimination, race relations is a touchy subject. Recent shootings of unarmed African Americans across the United States serve as a reminder to both past and present atrocities. So when and how do we talk about race? Meghan Leahy, a parenting coach, emphasizes the need to immediately begin talking to children about race. Although this can be difficult, Leahy points out that the purpose of talking to children is to open a dialogue, where the sharing of ideas is encouraged. Leahy suggests that conversations begin as early as age 2 and that continued efforts to make clear both the history and prevalence of racism are required to get to the root of the problem. The discomfort and hushed tones traditionally involved in race discussions must be overcome. To read more about this topic, click here.
Eleven Oaks is a pristine 7.6 acre community, located in Fairfax Virginia. New housing developments, specifically single-family houses, have overtaken what was once the Fairfax Rosenwald School. A single historical marker in the community describes the Fairfax Colored School, built in 1920 by businessman and philanthropist, Julius Rosenwald. This particular school is one of four Rosenwald schools located in Fairfax county alone, and represents just one of the hundreds of schools for African-Americans built by Rosenwald across the rural South. As the head of Sears, Roebuck and Co., Rosenwald chose to focus philanthropic efforts on building schools. His Jewish heritage allowed for him to identify with the margianalized African-American communities of the U.S. To learn more about the new housing development and the Fairfax Rosewald School, click here.
At Eleven Oaks, choices include this or that Fairfax
http://www.washingtonpost.com/realestate/the-many-options-include-a-choice-of-this-or-that-fairfax/2015/07/01/6e3e4300-18ed-11e5-93b7-5eddc056ad8a_story.html
A new Bravo network reality TV show entitled “Potomac Ensemble” is set to follow the lives of four African-American women and their experiences with Jack and Jill, an elite membership organization. Established in 1938 by a group of 20 mothers, Jack and Jill aims to provide aid and leadership development to African-American children aged two to nineteen. Networkers and producers hope the show will make for a catty, sassy, reality TV show. Jack and Jill’s national board has expressed displeasure with the show. Organization leaders fear the show will shed the organization in a negative light with gossipy flare. To read more about Jack and Jill’s displeasure with “Potomac Ensemble,” click here.
Jack and Jill of America isn’t pleased with focus of ‘Potomac’ Reality Show
http://www.washingtonpost.com/blogs/reliable-source/wp/2015/06/25/jack-and-jill-of-america-isnt-too-pleased-with-d-c-reality-show/
On Saturday, June 27th, a group of Dillard University Alum came together for food, fellowship, and most importantly fundraising in efforts to continue the legacy of “Fair Dillard”. In the midst of reminiscing and meeting new people, fellow 2004 alum, Kellen Patterson was eager to share with President and 2008 Alum, Erica Williams information about the film, Rosenwald. As a champion of African American education, businessman and philanthropist, Julius Rosenwald contributed heavily to Dillard University. Ms. Patterson spoke about the film, and how much of an impact Rosenwald had on the African American community, especially the rural South. Each alum received a post card detailing the film’s premiere at The Avalon Theatre on Friday, August 28th. Fellow 2010 alum and Howard University History Ph.D student, Arlisha Norwood was excited to mention to Ms. Patterson that she is familiar with Julius Rosenwald and his restoration of the Ridgeley Rosenwald School, the only Rosenwald school in Prince George’s county. In honor of Rosenwalds’ contributions to Dillard University, the university named it’s administration building after him.
To learn more about Dillard University’s history, click here. To learn more about the Ridgeley Rosenwald School, click here.
Recent Comments