Rosenwald is a 2015 American documentary film directed by Aviva Kempner. The film tells the story of Julius Rosenwald, a philanthropist and president of Sears, Roebuck and Company, who partnered with African American communities in the early 20th century South to build thousands of schools for Black children.
The documentary explores Rosenwald's background, his commitment to social justice, and the impact of the Rosenwald schools on generations of African Americans. It features interviews with historians, educators, and individuals who attended the Rosenwald schools, shedding light on their experiences and the legacy of Rosenwald's philanthropy. The film highlights how these schools provided educational opportunities that were otherwise unavailable to Black children in the segregated South, contributing to the rise of a Black middle class and the Civil Rights Movement.
Rosenwald also addresses the challenges and complexities of Rosenwald's legacy, including the eventual decline and disappearance of many of the schools. The film emphasizes the importance of preserving the history of the Rosenwald schools and recognizing Rosenwald's contribution to American education and civil rights.