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Our Mission
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Preserving the Legacy, Inspiring the Future
Rosenwald Documentary Inc. is dedicated to capturing and sharing the rich history and profound impact of the Rosenwald Schools on African American education and community development. Through compelling documentary storytelling, we aim to honor the legacy of Julius Rosenwald and the alumni of these transformative institutions.
Who is
Julius Rosenwald
Julius Rosenwald (1862-1932) was a prominent American businessman and philanthropist, best known for his leadership at Sears, Roebuck & Company and his substantial contributions to African American education. Born to German-Jewish immigrants in Springfield, Illinois, Rosenwald amassed significant wealth by transforming Sears into a retail giant. His rational management and innovative practices, such as implementing rural free delivery and offering full refunds, propelled Sears to immense success (Wikipedia) (New World Encyclopedia).
Rosenwald's philanthropic philosophy was deeply influenced by the Jewish concept of tzedakah, which emphasizes justice and charity. He is renowned for creating the Rosenwald Fund in 1917, which focused on improving educational opportunities for African Americans. Collaborating with Booker T. Washington, Rosenwald funded the construction of over 5,000 schools across 15 Southern states, known as Rosenwald Schools. These schools were pivotal in providing quality education to African American children during the segregation era (Encyclopedia Britannica) (Rosenwald Park Campaign).
Apart from education, Rosenwald's philanthropy extended to various causes, including establishing YMCAs for African Americans, supporting Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs), and contributing to the early legal battles of the NAACP that led to significant civil rights victories. He also played a crucial role in founding the Museum of Science and Industry in Chicago and supported numerous Jewish charities while maintaining a stance against Zionism (Rosenwald Park Campaign) (New World Encyclopedia).
Rosenwald's legacy is marked by his belief in "giving while living" and the practice of matching grants, encouraging communities to invest in their own improvement. His impact on education and philanthropy continues to be recognized and celebrated, particularly for his efforts to address racial inequities in the United States (Wikipedia) (Encyclopedia Britannica).
Our Story
The mission of the Rosenwald Documentary 501C3 is to capture and promote
the impact of the Julius Rosenwald contribution to and the impact of Rosenwald High School on the African American Community of Panama City, Florida, the State and the Country.
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