Frontline Season 27 Episode 7 My Father, My Brother and Me

In the seventh episode of Frontline's 27th season, titled "My Father, My Brother and Me," the focus is on the story of three young men from Milwaukee who, like their father and uncle before them, were charged and convicted of serious crimes. The episode delves deep into the systemic issues within the criminal justice system that contribute to the over-incarceration of Black men in America.

Through a series of interviews with family members, friends, lawyers, and criminal justice experts, the episode explores the journey of the three brothers - each of whom served time in juvenile detention and later in adult prison. The eldest brother, Nigel, was convicted of attempted murder at the age of 19, and was sentenced to 40 years in prison. His younger brother, Saquan, was arrested and charged with robbery and carjacking a few years later, and was sentenced to 15 years in prison. The youngest brother, Jermaine, was also charged with robbery, and spent time in both juvenile and adult prison.

The episode is structured in a way that highlights the experiences of each of the brothers, interweaving their stories with expert analysis of the societal and structural factors that contribute to mass incarceration, and the disproportionate incarceration of Black and Brown people. The brothers' mother, Dawn, is also featured heavily in the episode, providing a poignant account of the impact that the criminal justice system and the loss of her sons has had on her life.

Throughout the episode, we see the brothers grappling with their own journeys through the criminal justice system, and the ways in which they have been shaped by their experiences. Nigel, now in his 30s, has spent nearly half of his life in prison, and reflects on the ways in which his incarceration has impacted his life. Saquan, also in his 30s, is released from prison during the course of the episode, and is seen trying to rebuild his life and reconnect with his family. Jermaine, still incarcerated, talks about his hope for a different future for himself and for other young people like him.

One of the most powerful themes of the episode is the impact of trauma on the brothers' lives. Throughout their childhood, the brothers faced a range of challenges and hardships, including poverty, violence, and family members who were themselves incarcerated. The episode explores the ways in which this trauma shaped the brothers' choices and experiences, and highlights the urgent need for trauma-informed care within the criminal justice system.

Overall, "My Father, My Brother and Me" is a provocative and moving exploration of the realities of mass incarceration and its impact on Black families in America. By centering the stories of the brothers and their family, the episode humanizes the statistics and policies that shape our criminal justice system, and underscores the urgent need for meaningful change.