Episode 02: Yusef Hawkins “Storm Over Brooklyn” Doc, and Reacting to the Breonna Taylor Verdict

Momentum: A Race Forward Podcast

[Producer’s Note]: This episode was originally recorded September 24th.

After a couple of heavy weeks filled with collective loss and grief, Chevon and Hiba open Momentum: A Race Forward Podcast working through the powerful and difficult emotions generated by Kentucky Attorney General Daniel Cameron’s refusal to prosecute the Breonna Taylor case, and the passing of Justice Ruth Bader Ginsberg. (Do not miss this—Chevon and Hiba have one of the most important conversations that we have ever had the privilege to share.)

In this very timely conversation, Hiba and Chevon are joined by the team behind the HBO documentary, Yusuf Hawkins: Storm Over Brooklyn, which “tells the story of Yusuf Hawkins, a black teenager who was murdered in 1989 by a group of young white men in Bensonhurst, Brooklyn. Yusuf Hawkins’ death and the official response to it sparked outrage in New York, unleashing a torrent of racial tension and spurring tireless civil rights activism that exposed deep racial prejudices and inequities which continue to plague the country today.”

Director Muta’Ali and Producer Victorious Decosta share how they came to work on the film, the behind the scenes experiences working with Yusef’s family and friends to tell his story, and the importance of creating solutions oriented resources in collaboration with activist groups to keep the conversation going for viewers. Muta’Ali and Victorious also talk about the impact of the Breonna Taylor verdict and the parallels to the lack of justice in the Yusef Hawkins case.

In the spirit of solidarity and collaboration –– Facing Race: A National Virtual Conference is only one month away, and we’d love to have you join us for the largest multiracial, intergenerational gathering of racial justice movement making.

Resources (by order of mention)

Facing Race

www.facingrace.raceforward.org

Here's What's at Stake If Trump Replaces RBG on the U.S. Supreme Court (via Colorlines)

https://bit.ly/3lRPFV1

“There is No Justice Here” (via Colorlines)

https://bit.ly/3nQPN9h

Breonna Taylor's Family, Advocates React to ‘Outrageous and Offensive’ Grand Jury Decision (via Colorlines)

https://bit.ly/2H2VzE2

Detroit Police Officer Charged in Shooting Death of Aiyana Stanley-Jones (via Colorlines)

https://bit.ly/3iVsmrz

Bree Newsome Bass

https://bit.ly/3nUrd7i

WATCH: 'Yusuf Hawkins: Storm Over Brooklyn' Debuts on HBO

https://bit.ly/2GZHoQf

Yusuf Hawkins: Storm Over Brooklyn

https://itsh.bo/34XD6ku

For the Color of His Skin: The Murder of Yusuf Hawkins and the Trial of Bensonhurst

https://bit.ly/3nTuMec

“Storm Over Brooklyn” Discussion Guide

https://itsh.bo/3nLqkOq

Muta’Ali

Official Site

https://www.mutaali.com/

Instagram

www.instagram.com/mutaali

Twitter

www.twitter.com/mutaali

Victorious DeCosta

Instagram

www.instagram.com/victoriouswashere

Twitter

www.twitter.com/VictoriousAqui

About Race Forward:

Race Forward catalyzes movement building for racial justice. In partnership with communities, organizations, and sectors, we build strategies to advance racial justice in our policies, institutions, and culture. Race Forward imagines a just, multiracial, democratic society, free from oppression and exploitation, in which people of color thrive with power and purpose.

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Executive Producers:

Chevon Drew, Hendel Leiva, and Jeff Chang

Associate Producer/ Editor: Kendy Solis