Norfolk, Virginia is sinking. The already insufficient sea wall ends where a public housing project, St. Paul’s, begins. St. Paul’s housing projects’ residents are Black people. Norfolk is home to the world’s largest naval base and there is currently no public plan to prevent it from going underwater.
Lives, livelihoods, cultures, the largest economy in Virginia, and the Navy are all under existential threat. The local government, in partnership with federal agencies, is investing in what is labeled a “climate resilience” plan to tear down public housing and redevelop what is an historic Black community, the St. Paul’s district.
Underwater Projects unpacks this redevelopment plan from the perspective of community leaders and members, government officials, scientists, and climate, and national security experts.
Hip Hop Caucus is encouraging its supporters to independently host free screenings of “Underwater Projects” in cities across the United States. Narrated by Emmy Award Winner, Wanda Sykes, this new film honors and sheds light on how the climate crisis affects communities of color and offers solutions that achieve environmental justice now. But more importantly, this powerful story illustrates how your vote matters every year – regardless who is in office. Join Hip Hop Caucus to discover and discuss what is at stake for our communities, inspiring ways people are responding, and how we can take action together.
Following your submission, we will receive a how-to guide that will help you with promotion, set-up, showing the film, and holding a post-screening discussion. You will also receive access to the film in advance.
