Entertainment
By Maxine Rivers
Updated: June 5, 2020
Originally Published: June 5, 2020
It was a cultural sensation that united a worried nation right after the World Health Organization (WHO) declared COVID-19 a global pandemic. It ignited a shared dialogue that allowed us to momentarily escape discussions of lockdowns and health crises. Netflix’s ‘Tiger King’ provided a much-needed distraction, filling our feeds with memes and laughter as we sought refuge from the grim realities unfolding in hospitals worldwide.
Now, we find ourselves grappling with a different, deeply-rooted pandemic: the ongoing struggle against racism and social injustice. Just as we once rallied around a television series to spark a national conversation, we can channel that energy towards this more significant issue. This time, however, our aim is not to distract but to reflect, educate, and ultimately drive meaningful change.
Stay Informed: The Black Lives Matter Movement
The Black Lives Matter movement has evolved from a grassroots hashtag to a powerful force advocating for justice across America. This documentary delves into its origins and features firsthand accounts from activists and public figures, revealing the movement’s true essence and its evolution over time.
The 13th
Ava DuVernay’s critically acclaimed documentary explores the implications of the Thirteenth Amendment and its role in the mass incarceration of African American males in profit-driven prisons. With numerous awards including a Best Documentary Oscar nomination, this film unpacks the historical injustices embedded in the American justice system and scrutinizes seemingly innocuous phrases like “law and order.”
When They See Us
Another impactful work by Ava DuVernay, this miniseries recounts the tragic story of the Exonerated Five—black and Latino teens wrongfully convicted in the 1989 Central Park jogger case. It highlights how societal perceptions and the media contributed to their conviction, which was only overturned years later when the actual perpetrator confessed.
The Death and Life of Marsha P. Johnson
The mysterious death of Marsha P. Johnson, a prominent black transgender activist, was initially ruled a suicide. This documentary follows her friend, Victoria Cruz, as she seeks to uncover the truth, shedding light on the systemic failures that allowed this case to remain unresolved for decades.
Rest In Power: The Trayvon Martin Story
This docuseries examines the tragic murder of Trayvon Martin, an unarmed black teenager, by George Zimmerman in 2012. It explores the racial tensions and societal upheaval that emerged in the wake of his death, catalyzing the Black Lives Matter movement.
America to Me
Filmmaker Steve James presents a ten-part documentary that closely observes the educational experiences of twelve high school students in Oak Park, Illinois. It tackles the complex issues of race, class, and educational inequality, questioning why white students tend to excel while their black counterparts struggle.
Let It Fall
Timed with the anniversary of the Los Angeles uprisings, this documentary investigates the long-standing conflict between law enforcement and the black community, tracing its roots back to events leading up to the riots.
Say Her Name: The Life and Death of Sandra Bland
Sandra Bland’s unexpected death in police custody raises numerous questions. This documentary scrutinizes the circumstances surrounding her arrest and subsequent death, as her family fights for justice against systemic indifference.
Time: The Kalief Browder Story
This six-part series tells the harrowing story of Kalief Browder, who spent three years on Riker’s Island for a crime he didn’t commit, highlighting the inhumane conditions and injustices within the prison system.
Slavery By Another Name
This 90-minute documentary challenges the notion that slavery ended with the Civil War, exploring the continued exploitation of black individuals through systemic arrests and forced labor practices.
Dark Girls
Focusing on the experiences of dark-skinned women in America, this documentary investigates societal perceptions of beauty and the biases faced by those with darker skin tones, tracing the historical roots of these beliefs.
Just Mercy
Based on the true story of civil rights attorney Bryan Stevenson, this film follows his fight to free a wrongfully convicted black man on death row in Alabama, addressing systemic inequalities and the dangers faced by African Americans in the justice system. Warner Bros. is currently offering this film for free rental on many streaming platforms.
As we navigate these turbulent times, it’s essential to engage in dialogue about racial injustice, even as society begins to reopen. If we could rally around a show like ‘Tiger King,’ we have a responsibility to unite for a cause that impacts lives on a profound level.
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In summary, the conversation around racial injustice is urgent and necessary, and we must engage with it as we once did with entertainment phenomena.