Watch East Lake Meadows: A Public Housing Story

East Lake Meadows: A Public Housing Story is a documentary film directed by Sarah Burns and David McMahon, and produced by Ken Burns. The film explores the history of public housing in the United States through the story of East Lake Meadows, a public housing project in Atlanta, Georgia that was demolished in 2000. The film begins by introducing viewers to the community of East Lake Meadows, which was built in the 1970s as a solution to Atlanta's housing crisis. The project was originally intended to provide affordable housing for low-income families, but it quickly became plagued by poverty, crime, and neglect. The film shows how residents of the community struggled to make ends meet, and how the conditions in the project worsened over time.

Throughout the film, viewers hear from a variety of voices, including former residents of East Lake Meadows, experts on housing policy, and politicians who were involved in the project. One of the most prominent voices in the film is that of Henry Cisneros, who served as the Secretary of Housing and Urban Development under President Bill Clinton. Cisneros talks about the challenges of providing affordable housing in urban areas, and how the federal government struggled to balance the need for housing with the need for safety and infrastructure.

Another key figure in the film is Jelani Cobb, a historian and professor at Columbia University. Cobb provides historical context for the issues faced by residents of East Lake Meadows, and helps to explain how public housing policies have impacted communities of color throughout American history.

Throughout the film, viewers see how the conditions in East Lake Meadows affect residents on a daily basis. The film shows how families struggle to find work, how children are exposed to violence and drug use, and how the lack of basic services like healthcare and education contribute to a cycle of poverty that is difficult to break. However, the film is not just about the struggles of the community. It also highlights the resilience of the residents, who worked together to create a sense of community and who fought for better conditions in their homes.

The film also explores the events that led to the eventual demolition of East Lake Meadows. In the 1990s, the city of Atlanta decided to revitalize the area around East Lake Meadows, which led to a plan to demolish the project and replace it with mixed-income housing. The film shows how this decision affected the residents of the community, who were forced to leave their homes and start over in new neighborhoods.

Overall, East Lake Meadows: A Public Housing Story is a powerful and important documentary that sheds light on the challenges faced by residents of public housing communities in the United States. The film is both a sobering reminder of the struggles of these communities and a tribute to the strength and resilience of the people who live there. It is a must-watch for anyone interested in the history of American cities, and the role that housing policy plays in shaping the lives of low-income families.

East Lake Meadows: A Public Housing Story is a 2020 documentary with a runtime of 1 hour and 45 minutes. It has received mostly positive reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 6.7.