By Dot Heffron, Director, Women’s Philanthropy,JCFR
On September 5th, thirty community members joined JCFR staff for an exclusive tour of the exhibit, “A Better Life for Their Children” at the Virginia Museum of History and Culture. The tour, arranged by the Federation’s JCRC, was led by the featured photographer, Andrew Feiler, whose photography skills were matched by his captivating storytelling.
Rosenwald schools were a significant educational initiative in the early 20th century, primarily aimed at improving educational opportunities for African American children in the segregated South.
Julius Rosenwald, a wealthy Jewish philanthropist and part-owner of Sears, Roebuck and Company, was the driving force behind this initiative. Inspired by his interactions with African American leaders like Booker T. Washington, Rosenwald sought to address the educational disparities faced by Black communities.
In 1912, Rosenwald began funding the construction of schools for African American children in the South. His contributions were supplemented by local Black communities, who often provided land and additional funds, as well as some local school divisions. These partnerships were the earliest examples of public-private partnerships and provided opportunities for Black communities to exercise agency in the planning and building of these schools.
Over the course of the program, 4,978 Rosenwald schools were built between 1913 and 1932. These schools played a crucial role in improving access to education for African American children during a period of intense racial segregation. The Rosenwald schools stand as a testament to the power of philanthropy, community effort, and the enduring quest for educational equity.
Andrew Feiler is a contemporary advocate for the preservation and recognition of Rosenwald schools. His connection to the Rosenwald schools is primarily through his work as a photographer and author, focusing on documenting and raising awareness about these historic institutions.
Feiler has spent years photographing the remaining Rosenwald school buildings, capturing their historical significance and current condition. His photography provides a visual record of these structures, many of which are in varying states of preservation.
Feiler’s book “A Better Life for Their Children: Julius Rosenwald, Booker T. Washington, and the Building of Schools for the Segregated South” combines historical research with Feiler’s photographs to explore the history and impact of the Rosenwald schools, and provides a comprehensive look at the collaboration between Julius Rosenwald and Booker T. Washington and the legacy of the schools.
Andrew Feiler’s work has been instrumental in bringing attention to the Rosenwald schools, ensuring that their history and impact are recognized and preserved for future generations. His efforts help to shed light on the vital role these schools played in advancing education and social justice during a pivotal time in American history.
The exhibit will be on display at the Virginia Museum of History and Culture through April 20, 2025, and is included with museum admission.
For more details, visit
virginiahistory.org/exhibitions/better-life-their-children
Some more from the special tour:
