POV Season 6 Episode 10 Cousin Bobby

Cousin Bobby is the tenth and final episode of season 6 of the television series POV. This episode follows the story of Robert Lewis, Jr, who is known as Cousin Bobby to those who grew up with him in his old Harlem neighborhood. Robert is a successful civil rights attorney and activist who left his hometown to attend Princeton University and later Harvard Law School.

Robert's story is personal, and the episode is narrated by him. Cousin Bobby chronicles his journey from his hometown to his successful career in law. Throughout the episode, Robert opens up about his family, his role models, and how he came to be such a vocal advocate for civil rights. Robert's motivation for a successful career in law ultimately stems from a desire to fight for the underrepresented and voiceless.

The episode intertwines Robert's personal experiences with his professional career and activism. Cousin Bobby details Robert's work on the May 1992 shooting of Jose "Kiko" Garcia by an off-duty police officer in the Washington Heights neighborhood of New York City. Robert represents Garcia's family in a wrongful death lawsuit. His work provides the opportunity to examine larger systemic issues of police brutality, which Robert believes stems from systemic racial inequality.

Cousin Bobby is not just a look into Robert's life; it's also a snapshot of American history. Robert's activism and legal work span several decades, providing a window into the civil rights issues that arose in the United States during this period. The episode features interviews with notable civil rights leaders and lawyers, including Vernon Jordan, the former Executive Director of the National Urban League.

Cousin Bobby is also a tribute to Robert's grandfather, the Reverend Earl Kooperkamp, who was an Episcopal priest in Harlem for over 35 years. Throughout the episode, Robert recalls the influence that his grandfather had on his character. The Reverend Kooperkamp was an advocate for civil rights in New York and profoundly impacted Robert's worldview.

The episode presents Robert as a voice for change and social justice in the United States. Despite the challenges he's encountered throughout his life, Robert remains optimistic, committed to the cause of civil rights, and dedicated to fighting for those who are marginalized. He uses his ability as an attorney and his platform as a public figure to hold those in power responsible for their actions.

The final minutes of the episode focus on Robert's personal life, featuring interviews with his wife and children. The episode ends with a reflection on Robert's journey and the ongoing challenges that face the United States.

Overall, Cousin Bobby is a poignant and personal look into the life of Robert Lewis Jr. and his commitment to civil rights advocacy. The combination of Robert's personal story with broader discussions of civil rights and activism provide a comprehensive exploration of the challenges facing the United States. The episode is a fitting tribute to Robert and his family, their cultural heritage, and the legacy that the Reverend Kooperkamp passed down to his children and grandchildren.