When I first was offered the assignment of reviewing the new 5-part Docu-Series “Brick City” I was intrigued. The documentary series is executive produced by Academy Award winning actor Forest Whitaker and filmmakers Marc Levin and Mark Benjamin. Being from Jersey and growing up close by Newark, I have my own history with the city known on the streets as Brick City and I wanted to see how the filmmakers would tackle a town that has become known more for its political turmoil, violence and poverty issues. Newark is a town whose history includes being named the most dangerous city in the Nation in 1996 by TIME magazine, the 22nd most dangerous city in the United States in a 2007 survey by Morgan Quitno Press, having five of the last seven Mayors of Newark have been indicted on criminal charges and of course the infamous 1967 Race Riots that nearly destroyed the city of Newark.
This series shot in 2008 takes an in-depth look at not only the struggles that the city is facing but also introduces viewers to some of the resilient life-long residents, community leaders and civil servants who are working to turn this once proud city around and “are committed to making Newark a model for urban renewal in America.” Leading this campaign for change is Newark Mayor Cory Booker who has been in office since 2006. The passion that Mayor Booker has for his city is evident every time the series focuses on him. Mayor Booker uses all of his charisma as he meets with community leaders, residents, police officers and industry leaders as he shares his vision for what he wants & knows Newark can be. We’re also introduced to Police Director Garry McCarthy who has been tasked with leading a police force that must curb the rising violence in Newark without doing any additional damage to the fractured relationship that the police have with city’s residents.
But the story that I found the most compelling in the 2 episodes I watched involved Jayda, Blood gang member turned youth mentor who lives with her Crip boyfriend Creep. Watching this young woman turn her own life around, raising her young son while also helping to mentor younger women is a true testament to how much this young woman has changed her own life. Jayda, like Newark, is at a crossroads. You can’t go back to your old ways because it will lead to a dead end, and even though you know you have to change in order to grow and survive, it’s not going to be an easy journey or a quick fix. In order for survival, change is necessary and it will take time, commitment and sacrifice. Hopefully the residents of Newark are willing to make that commitment and are patient enough to put in the time that it will take to turn Newark around. I’ve only seen two episodes and I already feel a connection to these people and I want to believe that change is possible. I’ve already got my DVR set to record and I highly recommend that you make the time to watch this series. You will not be disappointed.
“Brick City” will make its television debut September 21st on The Sundance Channel at 10PM EST and run over 5 consecutive nights through September 25th.
