With all of the protests happening in the world right now, it’s so important to keep the conversation about race and equality going – now matter how upsetting it can get (*but, I do believe you need to go at a pace that works for your mental and spiritual sides). For those of you looking to educate and inspire yourself on these topics, here are 3 films that you can view on Netflix right now!
*If you have already seen these, please share with friends, family, co-workers, and more…the information should be known and the conversations need to be had!
1. “13th”
Dir. By Ava Duvernay – 2016 – TV-MA – Run Time 1h 40m
“In this thought-provoking documentary, scholars, activists and politicians analyze the criminalization of African Americans and the U.S. prison boom.”
This documentary is an absolute must watch, RIGHT NOW! It is concise and visual in the telling of how Law Enforcement and the U.S. Prison System was built on the profiling and criminalization of the Black Community. I highly recommend this for friends and family who may not understand how the system (literally) works against African Americans and how that plays out in the future of the community.
*It’s also available for viewing on YouTube
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2. “When They See Us”
Dir. By Ava Duvernay – 2019 – TV-MA – 1 Season
“Five teens from Harlem become trapped in a nightmare when they’re falsely accused of a brutal attack in Central Park. Based on the true story.”
This 1 Season Series, which is a true story, is heartbreaking. Mere children falsely accused and imprisoned for a brutal rape none of them committed, which years later DNA would reveal. It’s a real glimpse into how Police Enforcement and The System has negatively shaped and impacted the Black Community. It’s beautifully shot and exceptionally portrayed by the cast, a total must see.
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3. Time: The Kalief Browder Story
Creators:Jenner Furst, Julia Willoughby Nason, Nick Sandow – 2017 – TV-MA – 1 Season
“This series traces the tragic case of Kalief Browder, a Bronx teen who spent three horrific years in jail, despite never being convicted of a crime.”
Kalief’s story is another painful tale of just how broken the system is, but if he had to live that unbelievable experience then I think we can all watch it from the comfort of a space we have chosen. In 2010, Kalief was just 16 years old when he was arrested for a crime he was never proven guilty of. Because his family couldn’t afford bail, he spent 3 years at Riker’s Island awaiting a trial that never happened. He attempted suicide several times and shortly after being released, his depression got worse and he took his own life.