It was the cultural sensation that united a worried nation when the World Health Organization (WHO) declared COVID-19 a global pandemic. It ignited a nationwide dialogue that allowed us to momentarily step away from the grim realities of the crisis unfolding in hospitals around the world. We all tuned into Netflix’s Tiger King, chuckling at the memes and finding a moment of relief amid the chaos.
Now, the country faces another significant crisis—one that has been brewing for far too long: the crisis of racism and social injustice. Just as we rallied around a TV show to create a collective conversation before, we can do the same for this far more crucial issue. This time, however, the focus will be on reflection, education, and transforming that knowledge into meaningful action.
Stay Informed: The Black Lives Matter Movement
The Black Lives Matter movement has been labeled everything from a civil rights movement to a terrorist organization. It has evolved from a grassroots hashtag to a powerful presence on the streets of cities across the United States. This documentary chronicles the origins of Black Lives Matter, featuring firsthand accounts from activists, protestors, and celebrities that illustrate the movement’s journey and significance.
The 13th
Ava DuVernay’s compelling documentary investigates the Thirteenth Amendment and its role in the mass incarceration of Black men and boys within for-profit prison systems. Nominated for an Academy Award and a BAFTA, this film sheds light on the historical inequalities in the justice system, examining the implications behind terms like “tough on crime” and “law and order.”
When They See Us
Also directed by Ava DuVernay, this miniseries tells the tragic story of the 1989 Central Park jogger case involving the Exonerated Five—Black and Latino teens wrongfully accused and convicted of a crime. Their convictions were overturned in 2002, highlighting the miscarriage of justice fueled by media and public opinion.
The Death and Life of Marsha P. Johnson
This documentary dives into the mysterious death of Marsha P. Johnson, a Black transgender activist, found dead in the Hudson River. Initially ruled a suicide, this film follows her friend Victoria Cruz’s quest to uncover the truth behind Marsha’s untimely death, which was never thoroughly investigated.
Rest In Power: The Trayvon Martin Story
This docuseries recounts the tragic shooting of Trayvon Martin, an unarmed Black teenager, by George Zimmerman in 2012, and the racial tensions that erupted thereafter. It serves as a critical examination of the events that sparked the Black Lives Matter movement.
America to Me
In this ten-part documentary, Academy Award-nominated filmmaker Steve James takes an in-depth look at twelve students in Oak Park, Illinois, exploring the racial, economic, and class disparities in American education. It raises questions about why educational outcomes differ so starkly between white and Black students.
Let It Fall
Coinciding with the 25th anniversary of the Los Angeles riots following the Rodney King verdict, this documentary explores the long-standing conflict between the police and the Black community, tracing its roots back a decade before the uprising. Through interviews with eyewitnesses, it reveals the underlying racial tensions that led to civil unrest.
Say Her Name: The Life and Death of Sandra Bland
This film examines the suspicious circumstances surrounding the arrest and subsequent death of Sandra Bland, an outspoken activist. It highlights her family’s struggle for justice in the face of law enforcement’s negligence.
Time: The Kalief Browder Story
This six-part docuseries tells the harrowing story of Kalief Browder, a 16-year-old boy accused of stealing a backpack. Unable to post bail, he spent three years on Riker’s Island, two of which were in solitary confinement—all without a conviction.
Slavery By Another Name
This 90-minute documentary poses an important question: Did slavery truly end with the Civil War? Through discussions with historians, it examines the systematic re-enslavement of freed Black individuals through forced labor and unjust arrests.
Dark Girls
Focusing on the experiences of dark-skinned women in America, this documentary aims to uncover the historical biases regarding skin tone, exploring the psychological impact of these beliefs on self-image and identity.
Just Mercy
Based on the true story of civil rights lawyer Bryan Stevenson, this film tells the tale of his fight to free a wrongfully convicted Black man on death row in Alabama. It highlights the injustices inherent in the justice system and the dangers faced by Black individuals in America. Warner Bros. has made this film available for free rental on various streaming platforms.
As we navigate an evolving landscape, it’s essential to recognize that social justice issues remain urgent, and the time for dialogue and action is now. If we could unite over Tiger King, we must also come together to confront racial injustice head-on. For further insights, check out this related blog post on home insemination, and to learn more about pregnancy and related resources, visit this excellent site.
In summary, it’s vital to engage with these powerful narratives and discussions surrounding racial injustice to foster understanding and change.