Julius Rosenwald (1862–1932) rose from modest means as the son of a peddler to meteoric wealth at the helm of Sears, Roebuck. Yet his most important legacy stands not upon his business acumen but on the pioneering changes he introduced to the practice of philanthropy. While few now recall Rosenwald’s name—he refused to have it attached to the buildings, projects, or endowments he supported—his passionate support of Jewish and African American causes continues to influence lives to this day.
 
In this talk, Hasia Diner will tell Rosenwald’s remarkable story, showing the connections between his Jewish consciousness and his involvement with African Americans. His belief in the importance of giving in the present to make an impact on the future, and his encouragement of beneficiaries to become partners in community institutions and projects, transformed charitable giving itself, leaving an indelible mark upon the present. Her talk is based upon her 2017 biography of Rosenwald, Julius Rosenwald: Repairing the World.

Hasia R. Diner is Paul and Sylvia Steinberg Professor of American Jewish History and director of the Goldstein-Goren Center for American Jewish History at New York University. She is a two-time winner of the National Jewish Book Award. She lives in New York City.

Author talks take place in the Hagley Soda House Auditorium, beginning at 7 p.m.  RSVPs encouraged, walk-ins welcome. Please RSVP to Julie Stewart, jstewart@hagley.org, or (302) 658-2400, ext. 243.