Gaining Ground – Free Community Film Screening and Conversation @ Tucker Missionary Baptist Church- Monday, May 19th

• by Urban CNY News
• May 18, 2014

Urban Jobs Task Force, ArtRage Gallery, Tucker Missionary Baptist Church and Gifford Foundation partner for film screening to create community dialogue about job creation. Developers are bringing jobs to Syracuse. How do we bring these jobs to workers in OUR neighborhoods? This event is part of the Gifford Foundation “What If…” Film Series, presenting empowering films that show communities working together to bring about positive social change. The Urban Jobs Task Force (UJTF), a grass-roots job advocacy coalition, is helping to sponsor a community film screening and conversation to start answering this question here in Syracuse. The UJTF, ArtRage Gallery, Tucker Missionary Baptist Church and the Gifford Foundation are partnering to present the 2013 documentary film that follows the story of the Dudley Street Initiative in Boston, MA. Included in the film is the story of neighborhood job creation during the development of the Salvation Army Kroc Center of Boston. Film Synopsis: In the midst of the economic meltdown, Gaining Ground explores the innovative, grassroots organizing efforts of the Dudley Street Neighborhood Initiative (DSNI) in Boston. DSNI was created 30 years ago when the community had been devastated by bank redlining, arson-for-profit and illegal dumping, and has become one of the preeminent models for community-based change. Over the course of two years, we watch a new generation of leaders working to prevent foreclosures and bring jobs and opportunities for young people to one of the city’s most diverse and economically challenged neighborhoods. In Boston, in 1984, the DSNI was formed by residents “who came together out of fear and anger to revive their neighborhood that was devastated by arson, disinvestment, neglect and redlining practices, and protect it from outside speculators.” The group has a long history of implementing plans created by the neighbors–working together with residents, churches, non-profit organizations, businesses. The movie will be shown on Monday May 19th 6 PM at Tucker Missionary Baptist  Church located at 515 Oakwood Ave. (corner of MLK, Jr. East) Food and a reception will be at 6 and the film will be screened at 6:30 P.M.       A facilitated community discussion on next steps in Syracuse will follow the film. The event is part of the Gifford Foundation’s “What If . . .” Film Series, presenting empowering films that show communities working together to bring about positive social change.