Director Anahid Terrence (USA 76 min)

This documentary covers life in Roxbury from the late 1950's up to the present. It comes alive through on-camera interviews with participants who gave of themselves with great thoughtfulness and generosity, Topics addressed: In the 50's, although the community appeared diverse, there was a recognition of an invisible line wending its way through Orchard Park itself, separating African Americans and whites. This line was invisible to outsiders-but stood as strong and real as the Berlin Wall to the residents within. The film also addresses the racial upheaval of the 1960's, particularly the protests that arose initiated by mothers at a welfare office on Blue Hill Avenue. Also addressed is the upheaval that took place after the assassination of Dr. Martin Luther King, bringing with it a mass exodus of the white population of Roxbury.  With the whites departure, a disappearance of many services to Roxbury disappeared as well.  Bussing is addressed-with interviews with the adults, who as children, made their way through that troubled time.  There are interviews with people regarding the people who inspired them.  Some noted individuals, and, also recognition of the strength of parents within the neighborhood.  And, after making note of the exodus of whites in the 60's, we find ourselves back full-circle with gentrification.  This is Roxbury, as it was, as it is, and as it will be.  It's said that home is where the heart is and the participants took me back to the home where I grew up. There were moments we laughed together. Moments too, where we cried together. But somehow,, by each interview's end, always circling back to laughter.  Accomplished by the respect, recognition and honor of the humanity that resides within each of us. Most of the participants, myself included, come from a generation of the 1950's and 1960's. Truth is, we have many more days behind us than ahead. And with that, comes a measure of wisdom. An appreciation of truth.