April 29, 2011Dear Sir,I would like to comment on Dr. Eva Hodgson’s comment in her letter to the editor that the documentary, Poverty in Paradise: the Price We Pay, being produced by our organisation (the Coalition for the Protection of Children) did not “once” address the historical legacy of race, racial policies and their impact on the current social and economic gap between black and white members of our community. I respect Dr Hodgson has her perspective on the film which ought to be considered and valued as such a respected and accomplished member of our community, however I believe her statement to be factually incorrect with reference to what the film does and does not include.Systemic racism and the historical legacy of centuries of white privilege is in fact addressed very clearly and specifically in its own segment which includes the insight of two very well-respected and knowledgeable racial justice activists, Lynne Winfield and Cordell Riley as well as the Coalition’s Shayna Duncan. As Dr Hodgson quite rightly identifies, the role of race is vital to include in any conversation, debate or documentary about the issues facing our community.My motivation in addressing this inaccuracy is to ensure that readers do not incorrectly make the assumption that the topic is not covered because I strongly believe that is a critical component of our argument. I hope that every individual who cares about our community takes the time to view the documentary and those of us involved with Poverty in Paradise welcome the resulting dialogue and debate that will hopefully result from it.NICOLA FELDMANExecutive Director, the Coalition for the Protection of ChildrenProducer of Poverty in Paradise: the Price We Pay