![]() Many went on to college and vocational training and made important contributions to community and country. What a powerful legacy they left – a wealthy Jewish businessman who believed in social justice and a former slave who believed in the power of education to uplift his brethren! Over six hundred thousand African Americans received good educations in Rosenwald elementary and high schools. In 2002, the National Trust for Historic Preservation listed the Rosenwald schools as “endangered places.” They now are used as schools, community centers, senior citizen centers, and museums. In June 2012, The National Trust held a conference, "100 Years of Pride, Progress and Preservation," featuring education sessions, documentary films, tours, and national speakers. Today, most have been destroyed or have fallen into disrepair – but some remain. The 1954 Supreme Court order to integrate public schools meant that black students moved to white schools. He was the main donor to establish the Museum of Science and Industry in Chicago. He also gave a great deal of money to other causes, including Jewish charities. Julius Rosenwald never finished high school, but he gave millions of dollars for education. North Carolina had the most Rosenwald schools: 813. He also established 163 machine shops where students learned practical skills. In addition to 4,977 schools, Rosenwald contributed to 217 homes for teachers. (They contributed to Rosewald schools besides what they already paid in taxes for public schools.)īy the time of Rosenwald’s death in 1932, about one-third of black students in the South were attending Rosenwald schools. Local people raised about $6 million – $4.7 million from blacks and $1.2 million from whites. State and local governments gave over $18 million. Rosenwald actually provided the smallest amount of money: about $4.4 million. ![]() They also had to convince the local white government to contribute money. They had to raise money or contribute labor. He required people in each locality to show how much they wanted the school. Rosenwald did not simply give money to people to build schools. Rosenwald then created the Rosenwald Fund to oversee school construction. After Washington died, quality control suffered. Some schools were built by Tuskegee students. Tuskegee Institute architects developed the plans. ![]() Over the years, the number of schools grew and spread through the entire South.Īll Rosenwald schools were built to specifications for size, ventilation, windows, and other properties. They first decided to create six schools near Tuskegee as a pilot project. In 1912, the two agreed to work together to construct public schools for black students. He remained on the board for the rest of his life. A month later, Rosenwald joined the Board of Directors of Tuskegee. Rosenwald and his wife traveled to visit Tuskegee Institute later that year. ![]() Washington and Rosenwald first met in 1911. By the early 1900s, Washington was the most prominent and powerful African American in the country. He built it into the Tuskegee Institute, the largest and most successful college for African Americans, now called Tuskegee University. At age 25, Washington became the first principal of the Tuskegee Normal School for Colored Teachers in Alabama. WashingtonĮqually important in building the Rosenwald schools was Booker T. He served as Sears President and Chairman.įamed Black Educator, Booker T. Rosenwald made a great fortune by building Sears, Roebuck & Company into the world’s largest retail company. His parents emigrated from Germany in 1854 to escape anti-Jewish discrimination. They were called “Rosenwald schools,” because the money to start them came from Julius Rosenwald (1862-1932). Griot: Russell Brooker, PhD Copy and Photo Editor: Fran Kaplan, EdD Julius Rosenwald, Sears Company Head and Jewish Philanthropist
0 Comments
Leave a Reply. |
AuthorWrite something about yourself. No need to be fancy, just an overview. ArchivesCategories |