WHAT HAPPENED TO JACKSON AVENUE: A Story of Urban Renewal

Phoenix Theatre Ensemble
in collaboration with
Rivertown Films
presents
WHAT HAPPENED TO JACKSON AVENUE
A Story of Urban Renewal
A Documentary Film by Hakima Alem and Rudi Gohl
In the summer of 2019 Clara Francesca, Elise Stone, and Craig Smith from
Phoenix Theatre Ensemble were meeting with Bill Batson, Nyack community
leader, historian, and activist, outside in the Nyack parking lot next to
Main Street planning the Nyack performing arts festival. At one point Bill
standing in some empty parking spaces said, “This was Jackson Avenue, our
family house stood here” – thus began a 2-year journey leading to this
powerful documentary film about the urban renewal program in 1960’s Nyack.
“What Happened to Jackson Avenue, a story of urban renewal” covers an urban
renewal program that removed 125 families (79% Black). These families lost
their homes, families, community and generational wealth. The film includes
personal and emotional stories from individuals who were present and saw
the destruction of their community, some of whom are now in their 80s and
90s and want to be heard.
This screening will be followed by a panel discussion.
June 24, 2023 @8pm http://twitter.com/8pm
July 7. 2023 @8pm http://twitter.com/8pm
The Nyack Center at 58 Depew (Broadway and Depew Avenue) Nyack, NY