Rosenwald

Rosenwald is an eye-opening and uplifting documentary from 2015, directed by Aviva Kempner, that shines a powerful spotlight on the life, influence, and longstanding legacy of Julius Rosenwald. The movie features diverse narrative threads that are eloquently stringed together by Kempner and highlighted through interviews with key figures such as Peter Ascoli, Julian Bond, and Stephanie Deutsch.

Julius Rosenwald, the charismatic son of German-Jewish immigrants, is a potent character in American history who, despite his profound influence, remains relatively unknown. The film highlights his journey from living in a modest home to becoming a titan in commercial success after taking reins of Sears, Roebuck & Company. However, what truly set Rosenwald apart was not just his business acumen, but his inspired philanthropic efforts, particularly in the field of education for African Americans in the South.

The documentary presents an honest account of Rosenwald's personal transformation, shedding light on how he moved beyond the realm of sheer business leadership. This transformation was particularly spurred by his friendship with Booker T. Washington, the renowned African American educator, author, and adviser to U.S. Presidents. It was this inspiring alliance that catalyzed significant efforts to reduce racial disparities and advance equality during the Jim Crow era, upsizing Rosenwald's role from that of a businessman to a powerful social reformer.

Rosenwald’s charitable endeavors highlight a catching, almost contagious sense of social responsibility that began with donations for YMCAs for blacks and bloomed into support for the construction of over 5,000 'Rosenwald Schools' throughout the South. These schools provided education to African American children when there were scant resources to facilitate such opportunities. This ignited a spark that empowered and educated a generation of African Americans, creating greater racial equality and advancement.

While the film draws a vivid picture of Rosenwald's life, it ingeniously interweaves core historical currents that flooded the United States during his lifetime. The documentary effortlessly blends aspects of the Jewish experience in America, the era of Jim Crow segregation, the horrors of pogroms in Russia, the Civil Rights Movement, and the advent of celebrities using their status for sociopolitical involvement.

Aviva Kempner goes beyond presenting a fastidiously researched biography. She curates a rich tapestry of firsthand accounts, historical footage, narrative storytelling, and compelling interviews with renowned civil rights activists, historians, and direct beneficiaries of Rosenwald's philanthropic legacy. Some of the notable figures include U.S. Congressman John Lewis, NAACP President Julian Bond, and Rosenwald's grandson, Peter Ascoli.

The movie excels in providing a closer examination of how Rosenwald's philosophy of giving was influenced heavily by 'Tikkun Olam,' a traditional Jewish concept involving acts of kindness to repair the world. This, coupled with lessons learned from Booker T. Washington, developed Rosenwald's unique stance on philanthropy, where he believed that recipients of his generosity must also have a stake in the benefits they were to receive.

Rosenwald explores several key facets of American history, using the life and contributions of Julius Rosenwald as a foundation. It meticulously introduces viewers to a man who understood the transformative power of education. It presents an engaging narrative on a lesser-known figure's monumental impact on American society – an impact that still echoes in our modern world.

In conclusion, Rosenwald is an inspiring documentary that uncovers the life and contributions of an unsung hero, Julius Rosenwald, his inspiring alliance with Booker T. Washington, and their collective effort to foster educational opportunities for African Americans during a period of deep-seated racial discrimination. Through its exploration of contemporary issues such as race, education, philanthropy, and Jewish identity, this film ultimately provides a deep well of contemplation for any viewer.