Passin' it On: 25 Years Organizing the Northwest Bronx

25 years ago, the Northwest Bronx was burning, resembling nothing so much as a war zone. During the '70's, some 12,000 arson fires were set, 40% of the area's housing was destroyed, and absentee landlords quit making routine repairs, all of which led to the exodus of thousands of residents. When the residents moved out, drug dealers and rats moved in, politicians stopped visiting, and this part of the Bronx was "red lined" and written off for business investments and loans. Slowly, a group of concerned residents and clergy decided to fight back, block by block, to retake the neighborhoods. This coalition held educational meetings and rallies, and staged media events known as "hits," where they confronted politicians, decision makers, bankers and business leaders on their home turf. The broad-based coalition relies on people power to get the attention of media outlets, and a paid staff to follow up and keep the heat on. The gamble is paying off, as resources are slowly flowing back into the Bronx. Unfortunately, this video is hampered by very poor sound and generally deficient technical qualities, which sadly undermines the worthy messages, particularly the need to focus tightly on issues, overcoming divisive individual, racial, and cultural agendas. Rank this video as an unfortunate missed opportunity. Not recommended. Aud: C. (S. Rees)