The screening of the civil rights documentary "Brick By Brick" was the highlight of the Club's observance of Black History Month. The screening was followed by a panel discussion hosted by J. Loren Russell. Among the panelists were the producer of the Documentary Bill Kavanagh, who made the film availabe for screening, Attorney Michael Sussman who played an important role in movement, Dr. Jim Bostic, Gene Capello, Dr. Sharon Conn and our very own Greg Arcaro. Yonkers Assemblywoman Shanae Williams also made time to participate in the lively panel discussion. President Steve welcomed everyone to the event saying he has been a resident of Yonkers for 21 years and he has seen some of the events depicted in the film. During the panel discussion, the panelists agreed that while we have come quite a ways from the 1989 Court decision, but much still needs to be done.. Bill Kavanagh said, this film took a while to put together particularly locating the original footage of the events of the time. Brick by Brick: A Civil Rights Story follows three families in a contemporary American battle for equal opportunity. One city's struggle over racial discrimination and how to redress long-standing institutional housing segregation is the subject of a confrontation that challenges and changes Yonkers, New York. Drawn deeply into the conflict, the people in Brick by Brick: A Civil Rights Story show how contemporary America confronts the issues of race and opportunity. Through their city's crucible, they deal with the meaning of civil rights in a current-day context.
This is second time that this documentary has been screened by our Club - the first screening was at the Will Library in Yonkers.