#USA #Dallas #Rosenwald Schools #Booker T. Washington #Andrew Feiler

Dallas Holocaust and Human Rights Museum: Special Exhibition

The Dallas Holocaust and Human Rights Museum recently unveiled a poignant exhibition titled A Better Life for Their Children, focusing on the extraordinary partnership between Julius Rosenwald and Booker T. Washington. This exhibition will be accessible to the public from March 7 to August 17, 2025. Through the lens of photographer and author Andrew Feiler, visitors will be transported back to a time when education for Black children in America faced insurmountable challenges.

A Vision for Education

In the early 1900s, educational opportunities for Black children were drastically limited due to entrenched Jim Crow laws. Recognizing this dire situation, the influential educator Booker T. Washington joined forces with Jewish businessman Julius Rosenwald to create a transformative initiative—the Rosenwald Schools. Between 1912 and 1937, they established nearly 5,000 schools across the segregated South, including Texas. This exhibition illuminates their efforts to address educational inequities and the significant societal impact those schools had on Black children and their communities.

The exhibition highlights the stories of renowned figures who emerged from these schools, including civil rights leader John Lewis, poet Maya Angelou, and several members of the Little Rock Nine, who played instrumental roles in the integration of American schools. The schools served as more than just educational institutions; they became vital community centers and gathering spaces.

The Journey of Remembrance

Andrew Feiler embarked on an extensive journey, covering over 25,000 miles to capture the essence of these schools. His work included photographing 105 of the surviving Rosenwald schools and interviewing former students, teachers, and community advocates. Feiler’s powerful imagery and narratives present a vivid portrayal of the challenges and triumphs associated with these educational institutions. There are currently only about 500 Rosenwald schools still standing today, serving as a testament to their historical significance during a dark chapter in American history.

Mary Pat Higgins, the president and CEO of the Dallas Holocaust and Human Rights Museum, expressed the importance of this exhibit: "A Better Life for Their Children reminds us of the importance of addressing educational disparities and promoting inclusive learning opportunities, given that education is the cornerstone of transformative change."

In addition to the exhibition's insightful displays, the museum will host various programs and discussions aimed at fostering a deeper understanding of the historical context and ongoing relevance of the Rosenwald Schools. Through these conversations, attendees will reflect on how the events of the past continue to shape education today.

Community Support and Acknowledgment

This exhibition is proudly presented with the support of Texas Instruments, whose director of giving and volunteering, Andy Smith, emphasized the transformative power of education and the role it plays in bettering lives for generations. The museum acknowledges additional contributors, including the Bank of Texas and local patrons, for their generous support, which makes this important initiative possible.

Visitors are encouraged to dive into the rich history conveyed through this exhibition. Tickets and more information about ongoing programs related to A Better Life for Their Children can be found on the museum's official website, dhhrm.org/better-life.

About the Dallas Holocaust and Human Rights Museum

Founded in 1984 by Holocaust survivors, the Dallas Holocaust and Human Rights Museum strives to educate visitors about the Holocaust and promote human rights, aiming to combat prejudice and indifference. Their new facility in downtown Dallas engages visitors with a comprehensive look at both historical and contemporary civil rights issues, further emphasizing the critical lessons we must learn to prevent future atrocities.

As you explore this impactful exhibition, reflect on the enduring power of education and its ability to shape a more inclusive future for all.