the incredible story of Julius Rosenwald, who never finished high school but rose to become co-owner of Sears, Roebuck & Co. Influenced by the writings of the educator Booker T. Washington, this Jewish philanthropist joined forces with African American communities to build over 5,300 schools across the segregated South during the early part of the 20th century, providing 660,000 black children with access to education. Inspired by the Jewish ideals of tzedakah (charity) and tikkun olam (repairing the world), and a deep concern over racial inequality in America, Rosenwald used his wealth to become one of America’s most effective philanthropists. Because of his modesty, Rosenwald’s philanthropy and social activism are not well known today, despite giving away $62 million in his lifetime.
