Independent Historian

Raised in Huntsville, Alabama, Holly Roose moved to Oregon and received her Bachelor’s degree in Black Studies and English in 2007 from Portland State University. In 2009, she received her Master’s degree in African and African American Studies from Columbia University. While in New York, she worked as a research assistant for Stanley Nelson and contributed to the documentary film, The Freedom Riders, a Firelight Media Production. Currently, she works as Project Assistant for the McNair Scholars Program at San Diego State University, and will begin her Ph.D. program in History at UC Santa Barbara in the fall of 2011. Her research interests focus primarily in black social movements of the 20th century.

Rosenwald Fund Schools (1912-1932)

The Julius Rosenwald Fund schools were built across the South beginning in 1912 with money donated from businessman and philanthropist Julius Rosenwald. Although the first schoolhouses were completed in 1912, the Rosenwald Fund was officially established in 1917 and was used primarily to fund projects … Read MoreRosenwald Fund Schools (1912-1932)

Edwin C. “Bill” Berry (1910-1987)

Civil rights activist Edwin C. “Bill” Berry was affiliated with the Urban League for over 30 years and served as executive director of the Chicago Urban League from 1956 to 1970. When he arrived in Chicago he denounced the city’s segregationist practices and drove anti-discrimination … Read MoreEdwin C. “Bill” Berry (1910-1987)