This archive report was first published on 3 July 2020.
July 3, 2020, marked the release of the Outlier Society—Warner Bros feature film 'Just Mercy', a powerful portrayal of systemic racism and flagrant discrimination against people of color in the US, particularly in the southern states.
The film, based on Bryan Stevenson's award-winning memoir, tells the story of Walter McMillian, a black man wrongly convicted of murdering a white woman and sentenced to death row. Michael B. Jordan plays Stevenson, a Harvard-trained civil rights lawyer who dedicates his life to liberating innocent black men from the shackles of post-modern slavery.
As the film unfolds, it becomes clear that the systemic racism and oppression of black people in the US is not a relic of the past but a present-day reality. The 'I can't breathe' murder of George Floyd serves as a stark reminder of the ongoing nature of systemic racism and the life-threatening nature of black people's everyday lives.
Through the lens of Stevenson's unwavering commitment to justice, 'Just Mercy' presents a powerful message of hope and perseverance in the face of overwhelming odds. Despite the racist system's attempts to silence him, Stevenson trusts in the rule of law and a higher power, ultimately triumphing over the entrenched corruption and oppression.
The film's portrayal of racism is unflinching, yet it also highlights the transformative power of art to expose injustice and inspire change. The acting of both Michael B. Jordan and Jamie Foxx is deeply affecting, making the film a must-watch for anyone seeking to understand the complexities of systemic racism in the US.
