Stumbling Stones: The John Rosenberg Story is a solo play performed by Jeff Sherr that spans continents and generations, from fleeing Nazi Germany to standing with civil rights workers in Mississippi and coalfield families in Kentucky. Through decades of courtroom battles and community organizing, the play becomes a testament to memory, resilience, and the power of collective action—with an intimate thread of love and partnership at its heart. Ultimately, it’s a story of hope, reminding us that the work of justice is never finished and inspiring us to repair the world we live in today, stone by stone. See synopsis…
Play Trailer (3 min)
John Rosenberg, who escaped Nazi Germany as a child, became a lifelong advocate for justice—first in the U.S. Air Force and then at the Justice Department’s Civil Rights Division, where he helped investigate voting-rights cases, including those involving Fannie Lou Hamer and the murders of Chaney, Goodman, and Schwerner.
In 1970, with his wife, Jean, he founded AppalReD in eastern Kentucky. There, he took on environmental and property-rights battles while Jean quietly built community through education, relationships, and support for families. Their shared legacy transformed memory into action, strengthening rural towns through resilience, rights, and hope. See more…
Performer and playwright Jeff Sherr has spent his life at the intersection of justice and storytelling. For over thirty years, he has trained public defenders nationwide to carry forward the voices of those unheard, helping them craft narratives of dignity and courage in the face of power. A seasoned performer with a background in theater and improvisation, Jeff now brings his experience full circle in Stumbling Stones: The John Rosenberg Story, weaving his passion for performance with a lifelong dedication to amplifying the stories that matter most. See more…
CLE Providers – see the CLE Toolkit for the play
Suggested Donations
If Stumbling Stones moved you, please consider contributing to AppalReD Legal Aid or choose one of the other organization John recommends below.
If you donate, a note such as “In appreciation of Stumbling Stones and John Rosenberg’s work” honors the inspiration behind your gift and helps connect compassion to action.
