Rosenwald Alumni
Medgar Evers - Civil rights activist and NAACP field secretary in Mississippi, known for his work to end segregation and improve educational opportunities for African Americans.
James Meredith - Civil rights activist and the first African American student admitted to the segregated University of Mississippi, an event that was a flashpoint in the Civil Rights Movement.
Fannie Lou Hamer - Civil rights leader and organizer, best known for her work in voter registration and her role in the Mississippi Freedom Democratic Party.
Dr. Maya Angelou - Renowned poet, memoirist, and civil rights activist, best known for her series of seven autobiographies, starting with "I Know Why the Caged Bird Sings."
John Lewis - Civil rights leader and U.S. Congressman (D-Ga.), famous for his leadership in the Civil Rights Movement, including the historic Selma to Montgomery marches.
Ralph Abernathy - Civil rights leader and close associate of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., co-founder of the Southern Christian Leadership Conference (SCLC).
Clarence Thomas - Associate Justice of the Supreme Court of the United States, appointed in 1991 and known for his conservative views.
George C. Wolfe - Award-winning playwright and director, known for his work in theater and film, including the Broadway productions of "Angels in America" and "The Color Purple."
Mary McLeod Bethune - Educator, stateswoman, philanthropist, and civil rights activist, known for founding the National Council for Negro Women and serving as an advisor to President Franklin D. Roosevelt.
Joe Louis - Legendary professional boxer who was the world heavyweight champion from 1937 to 1949, known as "The Brown Bomber."
James Meredith - Civil rights activist and the first African American student admitted to the segregated University of Mississippi, an event that was a flashpoint in the Civil Rights Movement.
Fannie Lou Hamer - Civil rights leader and organizer, best known for her work in voter registration and her role in the Mississippi Freedom Democratic Party.
Dr. Maya Angelou - Renowned poet, memoirist, and civil rights activist, best known for her series of seven autobiographies, starting with "I Know Why the Caged Bird Sings."
John Lewis - Civil rights leader and U.S. Congressman (D-Ga.), famous for his leadership in the Civil Rights Movement, including the historic Selma to Montgomery marches.
Ralph Abernathy - Civil rights leader and close associate of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., co-founder of the Southern Christian Leadership Conference (SCLC).
Clarence Thomas - Associate Justice of the Supreme Court of the United States, appointed in 1991 and known for his conservative views.
George C. Wolfe - Award-winning playwright and director, known for his work in theater and film, including the Broadway productions of "Angels in America" and "The Color Purple."
Mary McLeod Bethune - Educator, stateswoman, philanthropist, and civil rights activist, known for founding the National Council for Negro Women and serving as an advisor to President Franklin D. Roosevelt.
Joe Louis - Legendary professional boxer who was the world heavyweight champion from 1937 to 1949, known as "The Brown Bomber."
School Life at the Eleanor Roosevelt School
Life for Black students in the segregated South was challenging, marked by inequities in educational opportunities and resources. However, the introduction of Rosenwald Schools brought a transformative change, offering students a brighter future—both literally and figuratively.
The Rosenwald Schools were designed with the unique needs of their students in mind. One of their most distinctive features was the large, strategically placed windows that filled the classrooms with natural light. This design choice was not merely aesthetic; it was born out of necessity. Many of these schools, including the Eleanor Roosevelt School, lacked electricity. To overcome this challenge, the buildings were carefully oriented to face the sun, maximizing daylight and providing an optimal environment for reading, writing, and learning.
Inside the classroom, the partitioned spaces allowed teachers to separate different grade levels, enabling more focused instruction even in multi-grade settings. Despite the challenges of segregation and limited resources, the students who attended these schools were given a chance to learn in a supportive and well-lit environment, fostering a sense of hope and possibility.
The Eleanor Roosevelt School was more than just a place of learning—it was a symbol of progress and resilience. Students who walked through its doors were part of a larger movement that sought to uplift and empower the African American community through education.
As we work to restore this historic school, we honor the experiences of those who studied here and the educators who dedicated their lives to teaching under difficult circumstances. Their stories remind us of the importance of access to quality education for all, and the enduring impact of the Rosenwald Schools on generations of African Americans in the South.
3rd picture is courtesy of :https://www.teachingforchange.org/
The Rosenwald Schools were designed with the unique needs of their students in mind. One of their most distinctive features was the large, strategically placed windows that filled the classrooms with natural light. This design choice was not merely aesthetic; it was born out of necessity. Many of these schools, including the Eleanor Roosevelt School, lacked electricity. To overcome this challenge, the buildings were carefully oriented to face the sun, maximizing daylight and providing an optimal environment for reading, writing, and learning.
Inside the classroom, the partitioned spaces allowed teachers to separate different grade levels, enabling more focused instruction even in multi-grade settings. Despite the challenges of segregation and limited resources, the students who attended these schools were given a chance to learn in a supportive and well-lit environment, fostering a sense of hope and possibility.
The Eleanor Roosevelt School was more than just a place of learning—it was a symbol of progress and resilience. Students who walked through its doors were part of a larger movement that sought to uplift and empower the African American community through education.
As we work to restore this historic school, we honor the experiences of those who studied here and the educators who dedicated their lives to teaching under difficult circumstances. Their stories remind us of the importance of access to quality education for all, and the enduring impact of the Rosenwald Schools on generations of African Americans in the South.
3rd picture is courtesy of :https://www.teachingforchange.org/
The Partnership that changed the country
Preserve History, Ignite Change: Support Restoring The Eleanor Roosevelt School
Support
To donate to the Eleanor Roosevelt School, Scan the QR Code All donations will be accepted by The Neighbors of the Eleanor Roosevelt School
(Non-Profit Organization)
If you do not have Paypal, Please fill out the requested information and click the Support button below. Someone from the ERSO team will follow up with you to complete donation.
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