Do the Right Thing… (Movie List)

I began to see systemic racism for what it is today while taking a Anthropology class in college. Although I initially hated the class because it required me write, this class was probably the most impactful class I ever took in college.  We watched movies like “Do The Right Thing” and read books like “In Search of Respect: Selling Crack in El Barrio.” And through these materials, I began to see our flawed system for what it was. 

I happened to take that class around the time Oscar Grant was murdered by BART Police. Over my college years I was involved with social justice and activism on campus through the Cross Cultural Center (where I worked for a while). We participated in protests, had riot police confront us during the Occupy Davis protests, and was even onsite for the infamous UC Davis pepper spray incident. 

But like many of us, as time went on, I became busy with progressing in my own life and activism took back seat.

A decade later, the same issues exist and nothing has changed.

What’s Different this Time Around?

There is more public awareness around racial injustice in America. Instead of having isolated protests or rallies around the country, these are now being held not only nationwide, but worldwide…at the same time! That is HUGE!

So what do we do next?

We’ve donated. We’ve shared information. We’ve had conversations. We’ve learned more than ever about the history of systemic racism and the marginalization of the black community in America.

But just like I said in my last post: Keep Donating. Keep Sharing. Keep Learning. Keep Educating. 

What I, personally, need to keep in mind is: this is not a moment. This is a movement. Because if I treat it like a moment, just as I did before, this may last ANOTHER DECADE. And we can’t afford to lose more innocent lives any longer. The real work is actually just beginning.

I know there have been some amazing WINS for the movement over the past two weeks. But I am also  seeing people lose steam. And what I need to keep reminding myself is: we need to continue taking the time to educate ourselves, our society, and put in place reformed systems to support a community that has needed our support for a very long time.

There’s a lot of work to be done, but one thing is certain: there IS unity in all of this. Seeing all the beautiful ways people have come together to create beauty and passion out of pain is amazing. And change will come when we all show a vested interest in seeing a positive and united outcome from all of this.

We’re living through history for a better future.

I don’t know when it’s going to feel right to go back to the normalcy. But for me, right now, I’m still aiding America’s black people by spreading the word and fighting for social justice. I know there is more to be done – more policies implemented, more systems to reform. And I will continue to use my platform to promote what I believe is the path we should be on.

Below is a list of movies that I’ve personally watched that helped educate and impact my life over the years. I really hope you get a chance to watch every single one of them. Each one will truly pull at your heart strings and teach you even more about what is going on today.

A lot of these movies are now free to watch, but let me know if you can’t find a link to them and I will find one for you. And those of you that know me know I’m not a crier. But every single one of these movies has stirred something inside of me and caused a lump in my throat at the least. Enjoy and let me know your thoughts!

• 13th
• 12 Years a Slave
• Selma
• Just Mercy
• Do The Right Thing
• When They See Us
• Boyz N The Hood
• School Daze
• Get Out
• Moonlight

Netflix:

• TV Series: Dear White People
• Playlist: Black Lives Matter
  (Netflix just compiled a bunch of content supporting BLM. I have not watched all of them)