Ep 2. Represent

"Represent" is the second episode of the twenty-second season of Independent Lens and it explores the inspiring journeys of three women who decide to run for local office in the United States.

The first woman we meet is Myya Jones, a 22-year-old recent college grad who decides to run for mayor of Detroit, Michigan. Hoping to give a voice to constituents who have long been marginalized in the city, Jones faces many obstacles during her campaign, including skepticism from seasoned politicians and personal attacks online. Nevertheless, her determination and passion for her community keeps her moving forward.

Next, we are introduced to Bryn Bird, a farmer and community organizer in Granby, Colorado who decides to run for the board of county commissioners. Unhappy with the conservative-leaning county board's decision to allow fracking, Bird plans to represent the interests of the environment, health, and safety of her community if elected. However, with limited resources and little political experience, she faces an uphill battle.

The final woman we meet is Julie Cho, a Korean American who decides to run for school board in a predominantly white and affluent district in San Francisco, California. As a mother of two children in the district and a long-time community advocate, Cho hopes to bring diversity and equity to the school system. However, she discovers that even in a supposedly liberal city, racial bias and discrimination is still prevalent and can be difficult to overcome.

Throughout the episode, we see the ups and downs of each woman's campaign, the personal sacrifices they make, and the emotional toll that running for office can take. We also witness the importance of grassroots movements and individual action in local politics, as well as the power of representation and diverse voices in decision-making.

Overall, "Represent" is a timely and inspiring episode that highlights the critical role that women and marginalized communities play in the political process. It sheds light on the challenges they face while running for office and encourages viewers to get involved in their own communities and push for change.