Screening + Q&A: ZIP Code Matters

A person’s ZIP code has been shown to have a greater impact on health and well-being than their genetic code, affecting access to education, transportation, and wealth. How is this possible? The provocative documentary ZIP Code Matters boldly asks the question and gets profound and insightful answers from some of the nation’s leading policymakers, nonprofit executives, public health officials and social justice activists.

Join the documentary’s writer and director, Sena Mourad Friedman, and Davon Russell, President of the Bronx’s Women’s Housing and Economic Development Corporation (WHEDco) for a community discussion following the film screening.

Bios:

Sena Mourad Friedman, a civil rights advocate, formerly served as V.P. at the Fair Housing Center, directing the acclaimed documentary "Zip Code Matters" to expose systemic discrimination. With a Fair Housing Movement and TV industry background, she actively contributes to Toledo's community as a leader, consultant, and board member. Currently, she chairs the Home for Everyone CoC Board, serves on the Lucas County Mental Health Recovery Services Board, and is a member of the Toledo NAACP, where she leads the Housing Committee. Recognized with prestigious awards such as the Ohio Leadership Award, The Walter P. Reuther Community Service Award, and the Jiminy Cricket Environmental Award from Disney for her commitment to the environment, Sena's impact on Union Memorial Park was acknowledged with the CityScape award in 2001. Presently, she is a consultant, actively contributing to creating vibrant communities.

Davon Russell is a lifelong educator and mentor who believes in the transformative power of early childhood and youth education and the arts. Prior to becoming WHEDco’s President in 2017, Davon had long combined his love for the arts with support, guidance, mentoring and educating for youth. He began his career at WHEDco in 1997 as a part-time after school teacher and steadily rose through the organization over 20 years, serving as Executive Vice President since 2010. Under Davon’s leadership, WHEDco’s youth programs—serving infants, toddlers, school-age youth, and teens— have helped tens of thousands of young people build their skills, access resources, develop their creative and innovative potential, and become leaders. Davon is the co-founder and Board Chair of the South Bronx Early College Academy Charter School and serves on the Boards of Bronx Lacrosse and DreamYard. He is a Captain in the founding coalition of the Bronx Community Relief Effort.

Host or Publisher Bronx Documentary Center