By: Michael Reel
Changing Our Narrative
“This is taking away our mothers, our fathers, our sisters and brothers. But most importantly it’s taking away our safety. This is police brutality and the senseless killing committed by police.” Jasmine Gates, Reel Urban News
To address some of the more galvanizing news, entertainment and social media headlines of 2019, the producers of Reel Urban News created the Millennial Moment. In our initial segment, writer and presenter Jasmine Gates convenes a group of urban professionals and community leaders for an in-depth conversation that tackles police brutality and what can only be described as the senseless killing of African Americans at the hands of those sworn to protect and serve.
Reflecting on the onslaught of police brutality in the African American community and in some instances, murder, clinical therapist Alex Dorsey remains hopeful. “My initial reaction is fear mixed with a bit of courage. But with social media we have a lot of evidence to fight our case.”
Gates and her three millennial guests provide perspective on Netflix’s 2019 acclaimed original series, When They See Us. “I was against watching it,” says Devonte Green. “It wasn’t that I thought the content was not valuable or an important story to tell; I was making an initial effort in my life to protect what I allowed in my mind. I knew this story would anger me.” After viewing When They See Us, Green disclosed it was comfort of the parents of the accused with the NYPD that challenged him the most. “This allowed the police to treat the five black teens who were eventually charged with raping a white woman jogger in Central Park any way they wanted to.”
Examining the business of entertainment for 2019 our Millennial Moment panelist praised and discussed the impact and importance of Tyler Perry Studios, based in Atlanta, Georgia. The panel’s creative, Nina Childs, explained, “As a writer and producer in this space it was huge. Tyler changed the game. In the past we would have to go to a Paramount Studios or Warner Bros and kinda beg to be at the table, but with the opening of his own studio, Tyler’s like, I’m going to build my own table.”
Gates wrapped our initial Millennial Moment segment with each panelist reflecting on the March 31, 2019 murder of rapper and urban businessman, Nipsey Hussle. “I think it’s something we all remember where we were. He was a staple in our community and on our soil.”
Filmed On Location: Honest Abe Brewery, Gardena, California.
