Ep 1. Baltimore Rising

American Race is a docuseries created by Charles Barkley that explores the pressing issue of race in America. In season 1, episode 1, entitled "Baltimore Rising," the show delves into the aftermath of the death of Freddie Gray, a young black man who died in police custody in Baltimore in 2015.

The episode begins with clips of the riots that erupted in Baltimore following Gray's death, highlighting the anger and frustration felt by many in the community. From there, Barkley travels to Baltimore to talk to a range of people impacted by the events of that time, including citizens, police officers, activists, and politicians.

Throughout the episode, Barkley pushes his interviewees to be candid and reflective about their experiences and perspectives, often challenging them on their beliefs and assumptions. He speaks with community leaders who are trying to bring positive change to Baltimore, like Pastor Jamal Bryant, who helped organize protests after Gray's death, and Steven O'Dell, a police lieutenant who developed a new training program to improve community relations.

Barkley also speaks with those who are more skeptical of the possibility of change, including some citizens who believe that police brutality against black men is a systemic issue that cannot be solved through individual efforts. He sits down with a group of police officers who defend their actions during the protests and argue that they were unfairly blamed for the violence.

In addition to these interviews, the episode also includes footage of community meetings and protests. It showcases the passionate and sometimes heated debates between citizens and officials who are working towards a common goal: to make Baltimore a safer, more just community for everyone.

Overall, "Baltimore Rising" is a thought-provoking and emotional introduction to the complicated issue of race in America. Barkley's direct approach and willingness to ask difficult questions make for engaging viewing that forces viewers to confront their own perspectives and biases. The episode does an excellent job of highlighting the various perspectives present in Baltimore and the complexity of finding solutions to deeply ingrained societal issues.