In honor of Jewish American Heritage Month, Jewish Neighborhood Development Council of Chicago (JNDC), in partnership with the Chicago Jewish Historical Society, hosted Julius Rosenwald: The Man and the Legacy in the Petty Auditorium at the Skokie Public Library.

The program featured a screening of WTTW’s From Sears to Eternity: The Julius Rosenwald Story, part of the Chicago Stories series, along with a powerful presentation on the national campaign to establish the Julius Rosenwald & Rosenwald Schools National Historical Park. The evening shed light on Rosenwald’s extraordinary yet understated legacy of philanthropy and civic leadership—and the lasting impact of his support for education, equity, and community development across America.

JNDC was honored to welcome Dr. Dorothy Canter, president of the Rosenwald National Park campaign, several civic leaders, including Skokie Mayor Ann Tennes, Veton Hasku, Chief of Staff to State Senator Ram Villivalam, and Matthew Hunt, Outreach Director for State Representative Kevin Olickal.

We’re grateful to all who joined us for this meaningful evening of learning and reflection—and for helping us elevate a story that continues to inspire generations.