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God's Alcatraz
Reconstructing A Community in Despair
| Length: | 36 min |
| Released: | 1996 |
| Ages: |
High School College Adult |
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New Lots, a little north of Howard Beach in East Brooklyn, NY was a community plagued with unemployment, drug abuse and violence. Two generations of fractured African-American families, children who had never met their fathers, never had jobs, had been written off as a community of despair.
Eighteen years ago, Dr. Johnny Ray Youngblood arrived in New Lots - God's Alcatraz - to infuse new life into the community through his parish, St. Paul's Village. Here, the charismatic preacher taught his congregation about dignity and black pride and helped them cure themselves of self hate. Reverend Youngblood does not mince words. He has little tolerance for "white oppressors" and little patience for blacks who neglect their own heritage.
The film takes us to St. Paul's retreat where a group of men recall with tears and anger the pain of growing up neglected by their fathers. This powerful film takes us beyond sociological cliches into the heart of a community.
Eighteen years ago, Dr. Johnny Ray Youngblood arrived in New Lots - God's Alcatraz - to infuse new life into the community through his parish, St. Paul's Village. Here, the charismatic preacher taught his congregation about dignity and black pride and helped them cure themselves of self hate. Reverend Youngblood does not mince words. He has little tolerance for "white oppressors" and little patience for blacks who neglect their own heritage.
The film takes us to St. Paul's retreat where a group of men recall with tears and anger the pain of growing up neglected by their fathers. This powerful film takes us beyond sociological cliches into the heart of a community.
"Blackness is what makes us stand out." - Rev. Youngblood
Margaret Mead Film Festival, 1994
London Film Festival, 1993
London Film Festival, 1993
