Rosenwald Schools helped educate Black students in segregated South. Could a national park follow?

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Rosenwald Schools were instrumental in the education of Black students in the segregated South, offering an opportunity for learning that was otherwise denied to them. Ralph James, recalling his own experiences at a segregated school in South Carolina, is part of an effort to restore these vital institutions. Nearly 5,000 such schools were constructed a century ago, facilitated by the philanthropy of Jewish businessman Julius Rosenwald, who partnered with African American leader Booker T. Washington.

Named in Rosenwald’s honor, these schools were groundbreaking, especially in regions like South Carolina where the government disproportionately funded education for white students. James, a 76-year-old retired judge, has dedicated his life to renovating his old school, securing more than $2 million for the cause. The grand opening is scheduled for September, with a special visit from the governor planned prior.

Efforts are also being made to create a national park in Rosenwald’s name, highlighting his significant contributions not just to education but also to Jewish charities, hospital construction, scientific research, and war relief. His foundation’s gifts would be worth about $440 million today.

Rosenwald’s compassion for African Americans, stemming from his own background as the son of Jewish immigrants, led to his commitment to this cause. His vision saw the growth of a united community, working together for a better society, an example that still resonates today.

Prominent civil rights figures like John Lewis, Medgar Evers, and Maya Angelou owe their education to these schools. The state funding discrepancy, highlighted by South Carolina’s 1927 expenditure of $14.9 million on white students compared to $1.7 million on Black students, emphasized the importance of the Rosenwald Fund.

Among the southern states, South Carolina had 481 Rosenwald schools, surpassed only by North Carolina and Mississippi. The legacy of Rosenwald’s work, captured by photographer Andrew Feiler, is not just about financial contributions but also pioneering modern philanthropy through matching grants.

Despite racial tensions, Rosenwald’s partnership with African Americans demonstrates that focused action can create meaningful change. Around 500 Rosenwald Schools still stand today, with many repurposed into community centers, town halls, and other venues, reflecting the careful design principles approved by Rosenwald.

In St. George, the restoration of a school aims to revive not only the building but also the sense of a flourishing African American community that once thrived there. Inside, classrooms preserve their 70-year-old appearance, while other spaces are transformed for community use.

Charlie Grant’s efforts to restore a Rosenwald School in Gifford mirror the broader movement to honor these educational havens, symbolizing hope and faith during an era of discrimination. His aspiration is to transform the school into a community center and museum, a tribute to the past, and an inspiration for the future.

The story of Rosenwald Schools is not just a historical account but a living testimony to cooperation, determination, and the belief that concerted efforts can lead to a better, more inclusive society. It serves as a reminder that even in the face of adversity, hope can endure, and dreams can be realized.

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