Queensbridge: The Other Side

The film Queensbridge: "The Other Side" highlights the other side of a misrepresented and misunderstood community by showing that most people who live in the projects are hard working, law abiding families keeping their children off the streets and in schools and making a significant contributions to society. These are communities that are capable of producing a judge or a junkie, a politician or a pimp, a hood or a Harvard Graduate -either of which can be seen walking through the courtyard wearing a hoodie on a crisp fall day.




The documentary aims to heighten public awareness about "The Projects" and to show that public housing is a positive, viable and necessary housing alternative. The story of Queensbridge: The Other Side is told through the eyes and experiences of those who know it best, the men, women and children of "the projects".

As we all know shelter is becoming a critical challenge for middle class and poor New Yorkers who cannot afford the luxury housing that is abundantly available for the wealthy. One important component of the New Deal was the creation of public housing stock for the middle class and poor. These housing developments were and still are called, "The Projects". The intent was to provide a decent, clean, safe and affordable living environment for its residents. During the 1960's-80's, the conditions in these housing developments deteriorated as middle or working class whites migrated out, leaving behind working class and under employed minorities. As a result of the influx of underserved and socio-economic disadvantaged African-American and other minorities, a stigma was cast on the inhabitants of "the projects". Drugs became more prevalent and crime rose; more people became dependant on the welfare system; and families were decimated due to the introduction of crack-cocaine. As a result, the people who live in public housing are usually perceived to be drug- dealers, crack heads, criminals and dysfunctional people who are a liability to society. This stereotyping makes it easier to turn a blind eye and deaf ear to the fact that most project inhabitants are employed fathers and mothers struggling against all odds to make ends meet and educate their children. This stereotyping makes it more comfortable for those in position to effect change to focus instead on self empowerment.


Selena Blake, the Producer/ Director/Creator and Writer of the documentary "Queensbridge: The Other Side," was born in Kingston, Jamaica. She grew up in a very strict household in Old Harbor St. Catherine, the youngest of 6 daughters of Linneth and Kenneth Blake. Selena moved to Queensbridge in 1987. Although not immediately enamored with "the Bridge", she grew to love her new home, primarily because of the generosity of her neighbors. After her son Daniel graduated from High School in 2004, Selena decided to broaden her horizons and open a production company. While filming various productions, she realized it was the support of her Queensbridge community that enabled her to meet the challenges of being a full-time working mother. Thus the documentary entitled "Queensbridge: The Other Side" was born.

http://www.QueensBridgeTheOtherSide.com

Category:

Film & Animation

Tags:

• Queensbridge
• documentary
• independent
• film
• social
• injustice
• misrepresented
• community
• maynov
• productions
• new
• york
• city

[baltimoreblitz16]

and the rooms in the apartments are small. my bathroom right now is the size of a project apartment living room. why would anyone want to live there ? even worst you have to deal with people next door and uptop of you.

[Queensbridgetheother]

lETS THANK GOD FOR YOUR BLESSINGS! DON'T PUT ANYONE DOWN FOR HAVING A ROOF OVER HIS OR HER HEAD.

[moneyman999abc]

dont be mistaken by this video. Every project is dangerous. whether it is in queens, brooklyn, bronx, manhattan or staten island.

[Queensbridgetheother]

everywhere today is dangerous from Park Ave to the projects.

[BigSmokeyCain420]

3:45 ..... WHAT A NOGGIN!!!!

[FuckUtube4Life2010]

@SinkaSwim what's a crock of shit?

[BlekitniStargardTV]

well, trust me, you really would live in queensbridge then in east europe ;)

[chickenmaster66]

@baltimoreblitz16 its better then being in the streets freezing your nuts off its better to have a roof over your head then living in the streets 

[ThinkBigNyc]

I know that some people condone projects, but after living in shelters for over 2 years, living with a 10pm kerfew, no visitors allowed, no food or drinks allowed, and security guards all over the place, believe me, living in the projects is a form of freedom.

[unwicked91]

Where legends are born!

[jonblazeinc]

all projects are good and bad together! same here in England....here in Birmingham, area called Chelmsley Wood was also the largest housing estate in whole of Europe for many years before a lot of the tower blocks got bulldozed to make way for new houses