Rosenwald

Industrialist who rose from the family clothing business to chair Sears-Roebuck and drive the company's growth into the world’s largest retailer. The film portrays his awakening to racial injustice after pogroms in Europe and his decision to marshal wealth toward improving Black Americans’ conditions. He collaborates with Booker T. Washington, funds Tuskegee Institute initiatives, and establishes the Rosenwald Foundation in 1917 to expand rural school construction, ultimately helping build thousands of schools. By his death in 1932, his philanthropic reach extended to multiple civic projects including housing, museums, and the training of Black professionals.

A key early partner whose influence on Rosenwald helped shape the direction of Black educational reform. The film presents their friendship and collaboration as a driving force behind the model-school program and Tuskegee-related initiatives. Washington’s leadership and vision provide context for how private philanthropy could align with Black educational advancement during Jim Crow.

Grandson and biographer of Julius Rosenwald; he provides family context and biographical framing for the documentary. Ascoli’s presence helps connect Rosenwald’s business achievements with his philanthropic motives and the personal stakes behind his public works.

Civil rights leader who appears in interviews to contextualize Rosenwald’s impact on Black education and civil rights. Bond offers perspective on how Rosenwald’s funding intersected with broader social movements and helped empower communities in the struggle for equality.

Scholar and interviewer whose contributions provide historical framing of Rosenwald’s era and the significance of his philanthropic projects. Deutsch helps connect archival material to the lived experiences of the communities affected by Rosenwald’s investments.

Interviewer and scholar who adds analysis on the cultural and educational impact of Rosenwald’s funding. Powell helps articulate how the Rosenwald program influenced Black arts, culture, and the broader national conversation on race and opportunity.

Journalist whose presence as an interviewee foregrounds the historical and social implications of Rosenwald’s philanthropy. Robinson’s perspective links the documentary’s historical arc to ongoing discussions about race, education, and civic responsibility.

Director of the documentary who appears as an interviewee to reflect on the storytelling and cinematic approach. Wolfe frames the film’s structure and emphasizes the legacy of Rosenwald’s contributions to American society.