Rosenberg Fund for Children
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Rosenberg Fund for Children
@rfcorg.bsky.social
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Helping the children of targeted progressive activists and targeted activist youth since 1990. Founded and run by the family of Ethel and Julius Rosenberg and Abel Meeropol. Learn more and support us: www.rfc.org
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rfcorg.bsky.social
How are the Rosenberg Fund for Children and "Strange Fruit" connected?

Full story in thread 🪡
How are the Rosenberg Fund for Children and "Strange Fruit" connected? Our founder, Robert Meeropol, is the younger son of Ethel and Julius Rosenberg, whose unjust execution by the federal government at the height of the McCarthy era in the 1950s shook the nation. In the aftermath of their death, Robert and his brother were adopted by Abel Meeropol, who was the author of the famous protest song, "Strange Fruit," and his wife Anne. Abel was the son of Jewish immigrants and a high school English teacher and poet. In the 1930s, he came across a gruesome photograph of the lynching of Thomas Shipp and Abram Smith in Indiana and expressed his revulsion with a poem he titled “Bitter Fruit." He later changed the name to “Strange Fruit” and set it to music, and in 1939, played his new song for Billie Holiday at Cafe Society in NYC’s Greenwich Village. She routinely performed it as her last number of the evening, to stunning effect. Abel and Anne provided safe harbor for Robert and his brother, who were only six and ten years old at the time of their parents' execution. Thanks to their adoptive parents, and a large community of generous individuals who rallied to their support, the boys grew up in a loving household and flourished. These positive experiences in the wake of personal and national tragedy inspired Robert to establish the Rosenberg Fund for Children in 1990, his way of paying it forward. Billie Holiday singing passionately with her head tilted back and her eyes closed An older Anne and Abel Meeropol smile adoringly at each other Abel Meeropol joins adopted sons Robert and Michael Meeropol on the floor of the family living room to play with a train set, 1954
November 7, 2025 at 2:46 AM
rfcorg.bsky.social
The RFC's fall newsletter is here! In this issue, activist parents reflect on the current state of the nation. Plus, Angela Y. Davis to headline the RFC's 35th event in spring 2026, and $220K awarded to the children of targeted activists and youth activists already this year. www.rfc.org/newsletter
September 11, 2025 at 7:16 PM
rfcorg.bsky.social
Back-to-school beneficiary photos and sweet messages like this one have made our inboxes brighter these days. We remain so inspired by the activist parents around the country making the future more hopeful for the next generations.
September 5, 2025 at 4:00 PM
rfcorg.bsky.social
Summer is drawing to a close and we are starting to look towards a new granting cycle this fall. This note from an RFC beneficiary serves as a reminder of why we do what we do. Our community’s generosity allows us to support young folks all across the country, and for that, we’re grateful.
August 29, 2025 at 2:55 PM
rfcorg.bsky.social
Sharing this sweet message from a beneficiary dad whose son, now a young man, has received RFC grants since the spring of 2009. As a long week draws to a close, we’re thankful for the #activist families we admire and the community around us who makes it possible for us to support them.
August 22, 2025 at 1:32 AM
rfcorg.bsky.social
Today marks 60 years since the brutal attacks on Civil Rights marchers in Selma, Alabama (known as "Bloody Sunday") in protest of Jim Crow era Black voter suppression. Today we remember the marchers and lift up all who continue their fight to end racial discrimination and protect voting rights.
On Mary 7, 1965, 600 civil rights protesters attempted a march from Selma to Montgomery, Alabama, the state capital, to draw attention to the voting rights issue. Led by Hosea Williams (at right front in dark raincoat) and John Lewis (at right in light colored coat), the marchers crossed the Edmund Pettus Bridge over the Alabama River on their way to Montgomery. There they encountered Alabama state troopers and local police officers who gave them a two-minute warning to stop and turn back. When the protesters refused, the officers tear-gassed and beat them. Over 50 people were hospitalized. Photo taken by Spider Martin. National Archives photo (National Archives Identifier 16899041)
March 7, 2025 at 5:13 PM
rfcorg.bsky.social
Applications for the RFC's spring grants are now open! (Due March 21) If you are a young person or a parent who has been targeted for your progressive activism, we encourage you to review our guidelines and apply at www.rfc.org/grants. Youth under 25 are eligible.
A beneficiary of the Rosenberg Fund for Children poses like a starfish in front of a large aquarium tank featuring fish and coral. Text with the image reads "Due March 21 / RFC Spring Grant Applications / Funds for the educational & emotional needs of kids of targeted activists & youth activists / Apply Now! / Rosenberg Fund for Children"
February 26, 2025 at 5:33 PM
rfcorg.bsky.social
These are dark times. Violent, racist, misogynistic and xenophobic rhetoric has taken hold. We’re faced with an increased assault on civil liberties. Progressive activists in the US are facing repression and their families are suffering as a result.
That’s where we come in.
Learn more: www.rfc.org
Indigenous Activist Leonard Peltier and family
February 21, 2025 at 8:23 PM