1970s NYC Neighborhood Violently Fought Integration | THIRTEEN

When a Black family bought a home in Rosedale, Queens, in 1974, their move ignited a battle over housing segregation in New York City. Facing hostility, arson, and a pipe bomb from residents determined to keep the working-class community white, Tony and Glenda Spencer refused to be driven out. Journalist Bill Moyers investigates the deep racial and economic divisions gripping this neighborhood in the 1970s. Through candid interviews with both the Spencer family and members of the local "Return Our American Rights" (R.O.A.R.) organization, this 1976 "Bill Moyers' Journal" captures an intimate look at urban decay, blockbusting (an illegal real estate tactic to exploit fear of demographic change in order to buy property cheaply and resell at a profit), and the battle for civil rights in New York. This 1976 episode titled “Rosedale: The Way It Is” was broadcast on “Bill Moyers' Journal," a weekly current affairs program covering economics, history, literature, religion, philosophy, science, and politics. The Story of New York. Discover the stories that built New York City from a Dutch trading post into an iconic global powerhouse. The WNET Group explores defining events—from architectural triumphs and the arrival of the Statue of Liberty to the solemn 25th anniversary of 9/11—uncovering local history through rich archives and the extraordinary people who continue to inspire the future of this world hub. Subscribe to THIRTEEN newsletters to stay informed: https://cloud.email.wnet.org/nyc-2026... Follow Bill Moyers at the links below: ‪@billmoyersandcompany‬   / moyersandcompany     / bill_moyers   https://bsky.app/profile/billlmoyers....   / billmoyers   https://x.com/BillMoyers #Rosedale #Queens #NYC #BillMoyers #CivilRights #BlackHistory #HousingSegregation #Documentary #NewYorkCity #TheStoryOfNewYork #THIRTEEN #PBS #BillMoyersJournal Please SUBSCRIBE if you enjoyed:    / @thirteenwnet   For full episodes, check out http://thirteen.org/ Facebook:   / thirteenwnet   Instagram:   / thirteenwnet   TikTok:   / thirteenwnet   ----------------- THIRTEEN is one of America’s most respected and innovative public media providers. Part of The WNET Group, THIRTEEN is a unique cultural and educational institution that harnesses the power of television and electronic media to inform, enlighten, entertain and inspire. The flagship public television station of the New York City tri-state area and the most-watched public television channel in the nation, THIRTEEN reaches millions of people with programming that celebrates arts and culture, offers insightful commentary on the news of the day, explores the worlds of science and nature, and invites people of all ages to have fun while learning.