Forum bridge divides and build coalitions among Boston’s diverse communities
BOSTON, Mass. — The Hispanic Black Gay Coalition (HBGC) in partnership with the Urban League of Eastern Massachusetts, will host “Joining Forces to RESIST Gentrification” on Saturday, May 3, 2014 from 5-8 p.m. at the Urban League of Eastern Massachusetts located at 88 Warren Street in Dudley Square. This event will feature a screening of the documentary Flag Wars and presentations from local organizations on the impact of gentrification in Boston and what community members can do to preserve the culture of their communities.
Set in Columbus, Ohio, Flag Wars follows what happens when black working class families are faced with an influx of white gay homebuyers in their neighborhood. Filmed over four years, Flag Wars captures the raw emotions of unguarded moments between neighbors: the lesbian realtor who sells the area’s Victorian homes; a new homebuyer who moves to the area to live openly as a gay man; two longtime residents who are in court because of new housing codes; and the judge who hears their cases. From porch conversations and family dinners to public hearings and street protests, Flag Wars provides a rare and extraordinarily intimate account of the social and human consequences of capitalism and the pursuit of the “American Dream” told through the lives of residents in a community confronted by gentrification. [pullquote]From porch conversations and family dinners to public hearings and street protests, Flag Wars provides a rare and extraordinarily intimate account of the social and human consequences of capitalism and the pursuit of the “American Dream” told through the lives of residents in a community confronted by gentrification.[/pullquote]
Following the screening, speakers from local community based organizations invested in fighting gentrification will discuss the impact of gentrification in Boston, what they are doing to respond, and what others can do to resist gentrification and join campaigns to make a difference. Participating community organizations include: Urban League of Eastern Massachusetts’ Young Professional Network, Vida Urbana/Urban Life, Alternatives for Community & Environment (ACE), and Dudley Street Neighborhood Initiative.
The event is a product of HBGC’s New Leaders Institute, a leadership development program for Black and Latina/o LGBTQ youth that culminate in community-wide projects and events. The event is also an intentional effort to engage a broad range of community members with intersecting needs, build coalitions among social justice organizations, and create solidarity in combating social disparities and economic injustice in Boston.
“I was passionate about organizing an event on gentrification because it is something that many people who are a part of my community are concerned with regardless of sexual orientation, age, race, or other identities. I feel we can learn about our differences while working together to protect our community,” said Jordan Holmes, a participant in HBGC’s New Leaders Institute.
The event is free and open to the public. Those interested can learn more by visiting hbgc-boston.org or contacting Jordan Holmes at jholmes@hbgc-boston.org.
The Hispanic Black Gay Coalition works to inspire and empower Black, Hispanic, and Latina/o LGBTQ individuals to improve their livelihood through activism, education, outreach, and counseling. Learn more at: hbgc-boston.org or facebook.com/hbgcboston.
[From a News Release]
