Watch Walking While Black

Walking While Black is a 2017 documentary film directed by A.J. Ali that explores the experiences of people of color with law enforcement officers. The movie depicts various incidents that occurred throughout the United States, where people of color were stopped, frisked, harassed, and even killed for no justifiable reason. The film follows several individuals and families as they recount their stories and experiences with law enforcement in their communities.

The documentary opens with a scene of the director himself being stopped by a police officer, despite having done nothing wrong. This experience prompts Ali to explore the issue further and to talk to others who have been in similar situations. The film then shifts its focus to several victims and their families, who have lost loved ones due to police brutality. These stories range from unarmed teens being shot by police officers to law enforcement officers using excessive force during routine stops.

One of the most poignant interviews in the film is with the mother of Trayvon Martin, who was killed in 2012 by a neighborhood watch volunteer who suspected him of being a criminal. Sybrina Fulton tells her story of the pain and grief of losing her son and the frustrations surrounding the trial and acquittal of his killer. Her experience speaks to the larger issue of racial profiling and the ways in which it can lead to tragic outcomes.

The film also features interviews with law enforcement professionals, including former police officers, who provide insight into some of the systemic issues within law enforcement culture that have contributed to the problem. One of the most compelling interviews is with retired police Captain Ron Johnson, who was the commanding officer during the Ferguson riots. He speaks to the need for law enforcement to build trust in the communities they serve and to address the racial biases that exist within the justice system.

Throughout the film, viewers see raw footage of incidents involving people of color and law enforcement that have been caught on camera. These clips are often hard to watch, as they depict violent and traumatic interactions between police officers and citizens. The film is composed of a mixture of informative interviews and real-life footage, which makes it feel like a hard-hitting documentary.

Walking While Black is an important film that sheds light on the racial profiling and police brutality that is all too common in the United States. The documentary does an excellent job of showing how these issues can have devastating consequences for individuals and communities, and how they contribute to a broader sense of distrust between law enforcement officers and people of color. It also highlights some of the positive steps that are being taken to address these issues, such as community policing initiatives and training for law enforcement officers.

At its heart, Walking While Black is a call to action. It encourages viewers to recognize the problem of racial profiling and police brutality and to become agents of change in their own communities. Ultimately, the film sends a powerful message about the importance of empathy, understanding, and respect between law enforcement and the communities they serve. It is a film that has the potential to provoke meaningful conversations and positive change at a time when it is desperately needed.

In conclusion, Walking While Black is a thought-provoking and important film that sheds light on a very important issue facing modern-day America. It is a must-watch for anyone who cares about social justice and wants to see a more equitable and just society. The stories shared by the people interviewed in the film are heartbreaking, but they also inspire hope for a better future. The film is a powerful tool for raising awareness and promoting change, and it should be required viewing for anyone involved in law enforcement or criminal justice.

Walking While Black is a 2021 documentary with a runtime of 1 hour and 29 minutes. It has received outstanding reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 9.2.