Gentrification meets grassroots resistance in Brooklyn
Over a decade, a microcosm of democracy emerges in Brooklyn’s Sunset Park based on rising rents, environmental racism, and the loss of industrial jobs. When a developer buys Industry City—a big industrial waterfront complex—and builds an innovation district, a battle erupts. Emergent City sheds light on power and process, explores intersections of gentrification, climate, and real estate development and asks how change can emerge despite the dominance of money, politics, and business as usual.
Impact in Action
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Emergent City serves as a powerful catalyst for change, bringing to light the urgent issues of gentrification, environmental racism, and the fight for community empowerment in Brooklyn's Sunset Park. By documenting the battle against the development of Industry City, the film not only exposes the struggle of locals but also ignites a movement for climate justice and social equity.
The impact of this documentary resonates deeply within the community, as it showcases the importance of grassroots activism and the role of organizations like UPROSE. With initiatives aimed at decarbonizing Sunset Park, UPROSE actively engages residents, encouraging them to participate in events such as the upcoming "Climate Justice Lives Here" festival on September 28th. This festival is a testament to the mobilization power of the film, drawing community members together to advocate for sustainable solutions.
The film's enlightening narrative underscores the intersection of social, racial, economic, environmental, and climate justice, proving that progress is possible when communities unite. Emergent City doesn't just tell a story; it equips viewers with the knowledge and motivation to drive meaningful change, demonstrating that when frontline communities take the lead, they can shape a brighter, more equitable future.
Impact Goals
We will share letter of support for UPROSE campaign to decarbonize Sunset Park, and we also encourage people to come to UPROSE's Sept. 28th festival "Climate Justice Lives Here."
The non-profit UPROSE's work is done in the interest of a Just Transition, a move away from the extraction economy and towards climate solutions that put frontline communities in positions of leadership. Their work occurs at the intersection of social, racial, economic, environmental, and climate justice, where different campaigns and initiatives naturally feed into, complement, and support one another.
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