Initial Broadcast Date: April 24, 1972
30 minutes -- Color
In the second of a two-part series on Newark, Black Journal will examine the critical housing shortage affecting citizens of the predominantly black New Jersey city.
The program reports on the stalemated Kawaida Towers housing development, a black housing complex sponsored by the temple of Dawaida, the Pan-African religious organization founded by Imamu Amiri Baraka. The proposed 16-story apartment building has encountered organized opposition from some of Newark’s white North Ward residents, including New Jersey State Assemblyman Anthony Imperiale.
Baraka says that his only concern “Is to do something constructive for the general community” and that will be to provide housing for the people and jobs for the builders putting up Kawaida Towers.
Also appearing on the program will be Mayor Kenneth A. Gibson who says that housing has become an emotional issue in his city because the people in Newark’s remaining white residential enclaves act as if they are being invaded when new housing projects are proposed for their wards. The Mayor supports the construction of Kawaida Towers.
Black Journal examines the latest developments at the rent-struck Newark Housing Authority’s Stella Wright Projects, home for over 1,200 people. The rent strike, now three years old, was recently suspended temporarily by the Stella Wright Tenants Association who have been promised relief to combat the rat, crime and filth infested, conditions now prevailing at the complex.
Black Journal also interviews black police lieutenant Edward L. Kerr, the acting chief of Newark’s police department, whose confirmation has been opposed by Newark’s six white communities.
“Black Journal” is a production of WNET New York.
Executive producer: Tony Brown
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