Bars4Justice

Hakeem Khaaliq and Queen Muhammad Ali directed and edited this short documentary, narrated by rapper Jasiri X, examining efforts to raise awareness in the wake of the killing of Michael Brown by a police officer in 2014. An opening title notes that since Brown's death, some 1,100 people in the United States have been killed by police. The Brown killing incited protests in Ferguson, MO, that lasted for several weeks, and garnered international attention. Jasiri X traveled to Missouri on the first anniversary of the incident to perform at a benefit concert organized by Talib Kweli (formerly of the hip-hop group Black Star). Other performers included activists such as Dr. Cornel West, and rappers Common and Pharoahe Monch. The concert attracted hundreds of attendees, who helped raise money to support Brown's family (the show was free but donations were solicited). Jasiri X also reflects on the subsequent St. Louis march during which participants spoke out against police brutality and racial injustice. He says he knew arrest might be a possible result, and the police do indeed charge him with obstruction, place him in handcuffs, and transport him to a holding cell. The film abruptly ends at that point, with no further information about the money raised or whether additional protests took place, but this still serves as a good discussion starter about social justice. A strong optional purchase. Aud: C, P. (K. Fennessy)