Kennesaw State to Present “A History of Jews in the South”

Historian Stuart Rockoff will present “Bagels and Grits: A History of Jews in the South,” kicking off the free, inaugural Paul and Beverly Radow Lecture Series on Jewish Life, Wednesday, April 24, at 6 p.m. in the Kennesaw State University Social Sciences Building, Room 1019.

The inaugural Paul and Beverly Radow Lecture, “Bagels and Grits: A History of Jews in the South,” is co-sponsored by the Kennesaw State University College of Humanities and Social Sciences and the Department of Museums, Archives & Rare Books. It is open to the public.

Series creator Norman Radow is the immediate past chair of the Kennesaw State University Foundation and president and CEO of RADCO, an Atlanta-based real estate development company. He is launching the series in commemoration of his parents’ life-long contributions to culture and education in their community.

“I can never be as selfless and giving as my parents were and continue to be. It is just not possible. They define the word mensch!” said son, Norman Radow, whose own contributions to KSU include transforming the University by doubling its land holdings, building thousands of student housing units, the first dining hall and parking decks, as well as other facilities. He also led the effort to build KSU’s stadium and the adjacent KSU Sports and Recreation Park. The park’s main road is named “Radow Way” in his honor.

“Bagels and Grits” features Rockoff, vice president of the Southern Jewish Historical Society and director of the History Department at the Goldring/Woldenberg Institute of Southern Jewish Life. He will discuss the dynamics of historic Judaic life in the American South.

"We are so pleased that Norman Radow has created this lecture series in honor of his parents,” said Catherine Lewis, professor of history at KSU and executive director of Museums, Archives & Rare Books. “He has given so much to KSU, and we believe the Paul and Beverly Radow Lecture Series on Jewish Life supports KSU's mission and commitment to diversity."

Editor's note: This was written by Kennesaw State University.