HYDE PARK — One of Kenwood’s most famous — or at least wealthiest — civil rights crusaders is the subject of a new documentary debuting Friday.
“Rosenwald,” about the philanthropic side of Sears, Roebuck and Company owner Julius Rosenwald, will debut at Century Centre Cinema, 2828 N. Clark St., on Friday and run through Sept. 10.
The film traces the impact of Rosenwald’s immense philanthropic work, inspired by Rabbi Emil Hirsch, whose Chicago Sinai Congregation is now Mt. Pisgah Missionary Baptist Church, 4622 S. King Drive.
Of course a film about Rosenwald includes the story of the 5,000 schools he built across the country to educate young African-Americans.
But South Siders will likely be more excited about sections on starting the Museum of Science and Industry, the Wabash YMCA at 3763 S. Wabash Ave. and the Michigan Boulevard Garden Apartments, the massive apartment building at 47th Street and Michigan Avenue often called the Rosenwald and currently being restored.
A host of South Siders help tell the story, too.
It might not be a surprise to see Rosenwald’s grandson and biographer (and also a Hyde Parker), Peter Ascoli, help tell the story. But neighborhood historian Timuel Black and former Chicago Community Trust president Donald Stewart also contributed to the documentary.
The question for South Siders might be deciding which screening to attend.
Director Aviva Kempner will introduce the film with help from Ascoli and participate in a Q&A session at 4:15 and 7 p.m. Friday.
She will also introduce a screening at noon Saturday without Ascoli at Renaissance Place Cinema in north suburban Highland Park.
For more information or to reserve tickets, visit landmarktheatres.com/chicago.
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