SLCAN Launches Film Series

Last Thursday night people packed into Zocalo Coffeehouse for the standing room only kick-off of SLCAN's film series. The two films shown, The Suburban Wall (1971) and The Invisible Wall (1981), were two nationally-aired TV documentaries on housing discrimination in San Leandro in the 1960s and 1970s when 99.99% of San Leandro residents were white.

Three presenters then shared their perspectives on past and present discrimination in San Leandro. The first speaker, Glennie Noste, who was featured in the film advocating for fair housing in San Leandro in the 1970s, spoke about the threats she received after speaking out against racial housing discrimination. Brian Copeland (pictured), author of Not a Genuine Black Man, recounted his quest to track down the films, and shared stories about the handful of white San Leandrans like Glennie who stood up against racism at that time, noting how discrimination is frequently invisible to those who are not targeted by it. Angie Watson-Hajjem, from the ECHO Fair Housing Program, discussed current housing discrimination in the East Bay, explaining that while disability rather than race is the most prevalent form of housing discrimination today, racial discrimination still occurs in more covert and subtle forms that make it difficult to identify and challenge.

After the presentations, discussion was opened up to the community. Some speakers shared their recent experiences of racial discrimination and insensitivity. People also discussed the different forms of racism and discrimination present in our community, noting that the films and presentations focused on African Americans, leaving out other people of color who faced discrimination at the time and continue to experience racism.

The need for more affordable housing was also raised by additional speakers. Several white community members mentioned their initial ignorance about San Leandro's history of racism, and their desire to further understand white privilege, a topic that will be explored in an upcoming film in the series, "Mirrors of Privilege: Making Whiteness Visible." Another topic raised was the need for increased involvement by San Leandro's diverse community members in local politics.

Despite the challenges we continue to face from this legacy, several community members spoke about their love for our city and the progress we have made. Significant changes in the demographics and racial climate of San Leandro have occurred in a relatively short amount of time. We are proud to note San Leandro is now the fourth most diverse city in California.

TAKE ACTION:
Sign Our Online Petition

The program also included circulating a petition calling upon the City of San Leandro to acknowledge its history of racial discrimination and begin a discussion with the community as a step towards reconciliation. Fifty-two people signed our petition, and you can join us. Sign the petition online.

Film Series Schedule

Connect with community, participate in stimulating discussion, and learn more about important social and political issues at SLCAN’s monthly film series.

The next film is April 5.

The Ground Truth www.thegroundtruth.net
A film about the ordinary men and women who heeded the call for military service in Iraq, as they experience recruitment and training, combat, homecoming, and the struggle to reintegrate with families and communities.

see entire film schedule • DOWNLOAD THE FLYER

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