Holding Ground: The Rebirth of Dudley Street
Producers Leah Mahan and Mark Lipman
58 minutes, 1996
In Distribution
Holding Ground is at once a cautionary tale of urban policies gone wrong and a message of hope for all American cities. In 1985, African-American, Latino, Cape Verdean, and European-American residents in Roxbury, MA united to revitalize their community. The Dudley Street Neighborhood Initiative went on to gain national recognition as residents fought to close down illegal dumps, gain unprecedented control of land from City Hall and create a comprehensive plan to rebuild the fabric of their community.
Through the voices of committed residents, activists and city officials, this moving documentary shows how a Boston neighborhood was able to create and carry out its own agenda for change.
“Holding Ground powerfully captures the high moments and the drudgery of rebuilding communities…. We come away not only with good stories, but hope.”
–Henry Hampton, Executive Producer and Creator, Eyes on the Prize“Beautifully shot, well researched, intimate, and fresh, Holding Ground’s thematic chapters make wonderful catalysts for discussion.”
–Lillian Jimenez, Director of Media Literacy, Media Network“I would hope that anyone associated with community planning, neighborhood organizing, and the rebirth of neighborhoods would have a chance to view the film.”
Mary Lou Crane, New England Director, U.S. Department of Housing and Development
Screenings and awards include: Margaret Mead Film Festival; Museum of Fine Arts, Boston; Philadelphia International Film Festival (Gold Award); New England Film and Video Festival (Outstanding Video); CINE Golden Eagle; and nomination for the NEA’s National Medal of the Arts. The film was distributed to public television in May 1997.
Major funding was provided by The Ford Foundation, The Annie E. Casey Foundation, and the Mabel Louise Riley Foundation.