Video

Tour of a fur coat shop in Chelsea with a woman trying on several coats, the owner explaining the craftsmanship in each one

Footage of workers waiting to be called and hired in an National Maritime Union (NMU) run hiring hall.

Zaiman claims that Mary White Ovington, abolitionist and co-founder of the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People (NAACP), was instrumental in organizing an effort between Republicans and philanthropists to build the Phipps Houses, possibly the first affordable housing project in the United States. She describes the ways in which the neighborhood has changed after the construction of Lincoln Center and the luxury apartments that displaced long term neighborhood residents. Famous residents included Charlie Parker, Thelonius Monk, Eubie Blake.

Zaiman compares the Martin Luther King (MLK) Jr. High School's construction and presence in the neighborhood to that of the new, elite and much more white Music and Art High School that would replace it as part of Lincoln Center. Another High School in the area closed down because the land value rose so high. Zaiman remarks on how much Lincoln Center was a draw for her and the current residents of the neighborhood.

Zaiman continues to talk about various churches and schools that may be sold because of their increasing land value due to the construction of luxury apartments. She says that the last 10 years, most buildings have gone from rentals to co-ops and condominiums. She seriously doubts either Phipps or Amsterdam Houses will exist much longer.

A series of archival still photos from San Juan Hill, including Father Divine and Thelonius Monk

A series of archival still photos from San Juan Hill. Eight minutes in, there is a copyright notice on the back of one of the photos, claiming copyright by Reggie Jackson

Two interviews in front of the Phipps Houses. First is an interview with Gordeon Heath where he recounts his childhood growing up in the Phipps Houses. Second is an interview with Ruth Messinger, the City Councilmember from the area, who sought to advocate for her residents.

Heath was born in the San Juan Hill neighborhood and lived in the same apartment for 40 years. He reports that the landlord had already reduced the number of tenants in the Phipps Houses by 80 percent by the time of the interview. He recounts how close the neighborhood was, centered around a shared West Indian culture and churches. That neighborhood is almost entirely gone, now, either having moved or died.

Very little content with Gordon Heath. After five minutes, the tape is a compilation of on the street interviews in the East Village about the Gay Liberation Movement, the Gay Civil Rights Bill and whether the Movement is open to people of color

Judge Wright talks about the Thelonius Monk Foundation and his work in it, trying to connect it to Martin Luther King (MLK) Jr. High School. Judge Wright grew up on West 66th street, #43. He comments on his efforts to declare the Phipps Houses as historic landmarks.

Judge Wright is asked about the churches of the neighborhood and talks about their historic importance in the neighborhood , while also noting that he himself does not think highly of the church.

Interview with Roseanna Westen, who lived on 63rd street as a little girl before moving to the Phipp's House 30 years prior to the interview and is the only remaining member of her family in the area

Weston describes the diminishing structural integrity of the Phipp's Houses and the conflicts over the decades with landlords to invest in and improve the building. She also describes the gradual shrinking and eventual loss of identity of the San Juan Hill neighborhood, naming former venues and residents.

Thelonius Monk Jr. describes his father's life in the neighborhood and his deep personal connection to local landmarks.

Son of the blues composer and musician W.C. Handy discusses his father's life with Martin Luther King (MLK) Jr. High School students, sharing a number of old advertisements and pamphlets with them.

Interview about the beginnings of a jazz program at Martin Luther King (MLK) Jr. High School, as well as footage of dancers warming up on stage. Second interview about the history of San Juan Hill and its importance to black history.

Willie Jones, drummer for Thelonius Monk, describes how the jazz music program got started at Martin Luther King (MLK) Jr. High School. Followed by students rehearsing music and dance on stage.

Silent film transfer, both color and Black and White

Silent film transfer of home movies from the 40s and 50s, including Chicago Cubs baseball games

Dating from 1949 to 1996, the WNYC TV moving image collection includes mayoral press conferences, dignitaries visiting City Hall, and educational films about city government.