About the Film
The Ciesla Foundation is dedicated to producing documentaries with an uplifting social and historical message about unsung Jewish heroes. Our newest film project is Rosenwald, a documentary on the incredible story of how businessman and philanthropist Julius Rosenwald joined with African-American communities in the South to build schools for them during the early part of the 20th century. This historical partnership as well as the modern-day attempts to maintain or reconfigure the schools is a great dramatic story, yet too little-known.
Rosenwald Film Bonus: Teaching Guide
From the Blog
Though Rosenwald’s story is more than 100 years old, his lasting legacy is felt today. It amazes us to see the impact his philanthropy has had on generations of Americans.
Charles White Was a Giant, Even Among the Heroes He Painted
"What a beautiful artist Charles White was. Hand of an angel, eye of a sage. Although White, who died in 1979, is often mentioned today as a teacher and mentor of luminaries like David Hammons and Kerry James Marshall, his is no case of reflected glory. In “Charles...
ECSU Receives $350,000 National Endowment for the Humanities Grant for Research and Cultural Heritage Center
Read about Elizabeth City State University's effort to preserve the history of Rosenwald Schools: Click Here
Kerry James Marshall Paints for Chicago. His Mural Should Stay There.
"The painter Kerry James Marshall was born in Alabama, but he is defined by Chicago: the city he moved to in 1987, and whose private salons and public housing projects have inspired an art of rare ambition. His excellent retrospective “Mastry,” which opened at the...
‘It’s not right:’ Cumberland residents say planned landfill will disturb historic school, possible burial grounds
"CUMBERLAND — Just inside the front door of the 100-year-old Pine Grove School in Cumberland County’s small Cartersville community, the soft wood underfoot groans and gives under Muriel Branch’s steps. “I walked three and a half miles to get here, each way, each day,”...
Netflix Officially Announces Octavia Spencer’s Madam C.J. Walker Limited Series
Read about Madam C.J. Walker series being brought to Netflix here!