Rosenwald School Events

The following events are designed to commemorate, celebrate, and educate about the Rosenwald Schools, and specifically the Mars Hill Anderson Rosenwald School, its history, the people and the Long Ridge Community. The Rosenwald Schools were built through a collaboration with Booker T. Washington and Julius Rosenwald. Events are brought to you by: AYSIR, Rosenwald Collaborative, Greater Works Church of God in Christ, and MHU.

Events are at no cost. Donations are accepted and appreciated. 

Some events ask for registration. Please take note and use the links provided to register for each event.

Dates and times are subject to change. Please check back here before attending. Email Fatimah' R. Shabazz with questions: isaqueen@live.com

A selection of related books is available from Malaprop's and can be ordered online below, in the store, or purchased onsite at events where indicated.

Coming Up

Sunday, October 2, 2022 3–4:30 p.m. (rescheduled from Sept. 4)
Broyhill Chapel on the campus of Mars Hill University at 388 Cascade Street, Mars Hill. 

Panel discussion with Kenneth Morris, Peter Ascoli and Stephanie Deutsch sharing memories and knowledge of their ancestors. All of the speakers have a connection to either Booker T. Washington, the founder of Tuskegee Institute, or Julius Rosenwald, the president of Sears, Roebuck, and Company. Read more about the panelists here.

Register to attend HERE.

POSTPONED: Sunday Afternoon Gospel Music Program at Greater Works Church of God in Christ
Previously scheduled for July 10 @ 3:00 pm. Tentatively rescheduled for August 14. Stay tuned for updates.

POSTPONED: Open-Mic Nite: Creative Expressions & Artistic Interpretations
Previously scheduled for Saturday, July 23rd. Postponed with new date to be announced.
Dr. Wesley Grant Senior Southside Center
285 Livingston Street - Asheville, NC
Spoken Word & Dance & Short Stories & Theatrical, Musical, and more!
All are invited to sign-up. Email Fatimah' R. Shabazz: isaqueen@live.com.

Past Events

Sunday, March 20, 2022 @ 4:00pm.
IN CELEBRATION
Mount Olive Missionary Baptist Church
40 Mount Olive Church Drive, Mars Hill, NC 28754                      
“Historical Reenactments - Honoring Our Ancestors, Acknowledging Our Alumni & Welcoming Descendants” of Mars Hill Anderson Rosenwald School & Community.

• A Ceremonial beginning to include Native and African American traditions through Ceremonial renditions of percussion, song, chants, poems & prayer.  
• The Ridge – Growing Up – Experiences & Results  
• Traditionally – Adaptation of the Season - Spring
• A Gifting – A Sharing – A Planting for new beginnings, A nurturing of the earth & each other, giving thanks, reaping a harvest of foods and of friends.

Sunday, May 1, 2022 @ 11:00am – 4:00pm
“HARDLOX is BACK!!!”
HardLox Asheville Jewish Food & Heritage Festival
Pack Place, Downtown Asheville
Music – Bands – Art – Foods – Children’s Area – Family Oriented
*Literature about Rosenwald events will be available at select booths.

Sunday, May 15, 2022 @ 3:00pm
Screening of "Rosenwald" Documentary by Aviva Kempner – Ciesla Foundation
Please click here to register
Greater Works Church of God in Christ – Sanctuary – Supt R. Gates
25 Forsythe Street – Asheville, NC  28801
Asheville, NC 28801
Reception: Homemade Desserts & Coffee.
Books available for purchase from Malaprop's.

Sunday, May 22, @ 10:00am
Andrew Feiler on His Photography
Please click here to register
Feiler discusses his journey through photographing the Rosenwald Schools, his 3-year research project, and his photography techniques
Congregation Beth Israel – Social Hall
229 Murdock – Asheville, NC 
Books available for purchase from Malaprop's.

Sunday, May 22, @ 7pm 
Andrew Feiler Presents His Book “A Better Life for Their Children”
Attend in person or online
Please click here to register
Andrew Feiler’s A Better Life for Their Children: Julius Rosenwald, Booker T. Washington, and the 4,978 Schools that Changed America is the first comprehensive photo-documentary of the program created by Booker T. Washington and Julius Rosenwald.
Congregation Beth Israel - Social Hall
229 Murdock – Asheville, NC
Book signing follows presentation with books available for purchase from Malaprop's.

Thursday, June 9, 2022 @ 7:00pm
Screening of "Rosenwald" Documentary by Aviva Kempner/Ciesla Foundation
Congregation Beth HaTephila - Unger Hall
43 N. Liberty Street - Asheville, NC

Sunday, July 17 @ 3:00pm
Screening of "Rosenwald" Documentary by Aviva Kempner/Ciesla Foundation
Dr. Wesley Grant Senior Southside Center
285 Livingston Street - Asheville, NC

Sunday, August 28 - 5:00pm to 7:00pm
A Gathering on the Green & Music Collaboration

This is a jam session, designed to unite and honor our mountains & our diverse cultures. Utilizing traditional Appalachian, Jewish American, Native & African American music, instruments & dance. 

NOTES: 
For Indoor events & safety in seating:
Greater Works Church – accomodates 220 with social distancing
Congregation Beth Israel Social Hall – accommodates 150 with seats
Mount Olive Missionary Baptist Church – accommodates 150 - 200 with social distancing
DATES, TIMES & SPEAKERS are TENTATIVE. Updates  will be available via various media.
MASKS ARE RECOMMENDED while indoors but are not mandatory.
EVENTS – No Cost to attend – Donations welcomed & appreciated