Sometimes, it takes an unexpected friendship to make a significant impact on the world. One such partnership that changed the landscape of American education began in the early 20th century when Julius Rosenwald, a successful retailer turned philanthropist, joined forces with renowned educator Booker T. Washington. Their mission was to enhance the quality of education for Black students in the racially segregated South. This collaboration led to the establishment of nearly 5,000 “Rosenwald Schools” across 15 Southern and border states between 1917 and 1937.
The success of these schools is evident in the significant narrowing of the educational achievement gap between white and Black students in the South. Additionally, many alumni of the Rosenwald Schools, such as U.S. Rep. John Lewis and Medgar Evers, played instrumental roles in the Civil Rights Movement, leading to the end of segregation as an official American policy.
While most of these historic schools have faded into history, approximately 500 still remain in various states of preservation. Photographer Andrew Feiler undertook a project to document 105 of these surviving schools, highlighting their legacy in his book “A Better Life for Their Children,” which was released in 2021 and is now the basis of a traveling exhibition.
Despite the progress made by the Rosenwald Schools, racial disparities in education persist today. Data from the National Assessment of Educational Progress (NAEP) shows enduring gaps in academic performance between Black and white students, often attributed to racial and economic segregation.
Feiler’s exploration of the Rosenwald Schools’ legacy resonates with the current educational landscape, where public schools often lack adequate resources and face challenges like the school-to-prison pipeline. In a recent conversation with EdSurge, Feiler shared insights on the enduring relevance of the Rosenwald Schools for educators today.
EdSurge: When and why did you decide to take on the project?
Andrew Feiler: I’ve been a dedicated photographer for most of my life, and about twelve years ago, I began to focus more on my photography work. Through my involvement in civic and nonprofit activities, I discovered a passion for topics that resonated with my community work. After completing my initial photography book on an abandoned college campus, I came across the story of Rosenwald Schools through an African American preservationist. I was immediately captivated by the story and its historical significance and decided to create a photographic record of these schools.
Feiler goes on to explain the historical significance of Julius Rosenwald and Booker T. Washington and the transformative impact of the Rosenwald Schools on African American education. He discusses the architectural beauty of the remaining schools and emphasizes the importance of preserving these sites as a testament to American history and memory.
Feiler underscores the enduring relevance of the Rosenwald Schools in today’s divided America, citing the importance of individual actions in fostering social change. He emphasizes the lessons educators can learn from the partnership between Rosenwald and Washington in bridging racial, religious, and regional divides to effect positive change in society.
Feiler’s work serves as a poignant reminder of the power of collaboration and the lasting impact of education in shaping the American experience. In a time of increasing division and challenges in the education system, the story of the Rosenwald Schools offers a beacon of hope and inspiration for educators and individuals seeking to make a difference.
