"Across the country, news headlines reflect images of decaying inner cities, crime-ridden streets and poverty-stricken children, prompting people everywhere to ask -- is it possible to break this cycle of despair? And if so, can it be accomplished by local community efforts? BLOCK BY BLOCK: Building Community in America's Inner Cities seeks to answer this question and, at the same time, dispel many of the stereo-type images that are so often associated with our at-risk urban neighborhoods. The project was designed to include a national documentary/public affairs special; locally-televised, follow-up town meetings which feature additional footage; and, several major screenings across the country including a presentation in Washington, D.C. for national politicians and housing policy makers. The goal was to generate a national dialogue about reclaiming at-risk neighborhoods and to demonstrate the many successes that already exist. "BLOCK BY BLOCK was released for broadcast to public television audiences beginning in April 1997. Highlighting communities in Chicago, Newark, New York City, Baltimore, San Francisco, Los Angeles and Indianapolis, the program introduces some remarkable community leaders. Struggling against what seems like insurmountable odds, these modern-day heroes are changing the face of their neighborhoods, their communities, and their cities -- one block at a time. Narrated by James Earl Jones, BLOCK BY BLOCK evokes a spirit of hope in all who see the contrasting images of decay and renewal that emerge from these grassroot movements. "The first of the televised town meetings was broadcast in the Minneapolis/St. Paul market on December 3, 1997 (following the airing of BLOCK BY BLOCK), in partnership with the local public TV station KTCA (tape enclosed). Similar town meetings are planned for the Washington, D.C. market, San Francisco-Oakland, and Indianapolis."--1997 Peabody Awards entry form.
