In honor of Jewish American Heritage Month, Jewish Neighborhood Development Council of Chicago (JNDC), in partnership with the Chicago Jewish Historical Society, presented Julius Rosenwald: The Man and the Legacy, on May 27, to a full house of more than 160 guests in the Petty Auditorium of the Skokie Public Library.

The program featured a screening of WTTW11’s “From Sears to Eternity: The Julius Rosenwald Story,” which was produced as part of the Chicago Stories series by JNDC President Beverly Siegel. The screening was followed by a powerful presentation on an ongoing campaign to establish a national park in honor of Julius Rosenwald and the Rosenwald Schools by Dr. Dorothy Canter, campaign founder and president.

The evening shed light on Rosenwald’s extraordinary yet understated legacy of philanthropy and civic leadership—and the ongoing impact of his support for education, equity, and community development across America.

JNDC was honored to welcome 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.