A free screening of a new documentary about how New Yorkers reshaped the rebuilding of Ground Zero comes to the University of Miami's Coral Gables campus Tuesday, Sept. 15.
The university's Office of Civic and Community Engagement and the George P. Hanley Democracy Center will show "9/11: Reclaiming Ground Zero" from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. The screening takes place at the Newman Alumni Center's Multipurpose Room C, 6200 San Amaro Drive. Light refreshments will be served before the film.
After the screening, producer Robbie Shinder and Gregory Koger, a UM political science professor who directs the Hanley Democracy Center, will lead a moderated discussion.
Film Centers on a 2002 Public Forum
The 69-minute film, first reported by the Gables Gazette, centers on "Listening to the City," a July 20, 2002, public forum at Manhattan's Jacob K. Javits Convention Center. More than 5,000 people gathered to review six preliminary concepts for the World Trade Center site, according to the university's event listing.
The nonprofit AmericaSpeaks, led by Carolyn Lukensmeyer, organized the session for the Civic Alliance to Rebuild Downtown New York, a coalition working with the Lower Manhattan Development Corporation and the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey.
Public Pushback Reshaped Plans for the Site
Participants sat at hundreds of round tables, using electronic keypads to register their views. They rejected all six plans, objecting to the amount of commercial space and arguing the proposals did not give enough weight to remembrance. One idea drew broad support: preserving the footprints where the Twin Towers stood for memorial purposes.
That public pushback changed the trajectory of the site. In February 2003, the Lower Manhattan Development Corporation and Port Authority selected architect Daniel Libeskind's "Memory Foundations" concept as the master plan, incorporating priorities from the forum.
Film Features Interviews With Key Figures
Director Josh Sabey's film includes interviews with Libeskind, former New York Gov. George Pataki, journalist Errol Louis and Lukensmeyer. Shinder, whose other credits include "Once Upon a Time in Queens," produced the film alongside Lukensmeyer and Sarah Perkins.
Freestyle Digital Media released the documentary on digital platforms Sept. 1, timed to the 25th anniversary of the attacks. It has screened at museums and universities around the country since that release.
Hanley Center Focuses on Civic Participation
The Hanley Democracy Center, founded in 2022 through a gift from financier George P. Hanley and formally dedicated in March 2023, focuses on democratic institutions and civic participation.
Admission is free.
Registration is available through the university's events page at events.miami.edu.
Upcoming Screening Details
"9/11: Reclaiming Ground Zero" screening and discussion, Tuesday, Sept. 15, 5:30-7:30 p.m., Newman Alumni Center, 6200 San Amaro Drive, Coral Gables. Free admission.
