Black Men Discuss The Realities of Ava DuVernay's 'When They See Us'

Renowned film Director, Ava DuVernay recently released 'When They See Us.'
In partnership with Netflix, The Root gathered together a group of Black male writers, influencers and activists to unpack this necessary and profound series, hosted by VSB's own Panama Jackson.
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[@badgalmeme2438]

The fact that it was hard for us to watch makes me think about how hard it was to live it ..😬😢

[@soyamado2222]

Exactly! I learned about this in high school and I was angry about how unjust this was, then. I can't bare to watch and have this enter into my consciousness.😖

[@adinaapril1631]

Badgal meme I understand that fully so when asked I say it made me very sad and very angry but to make my feelings about it bigger than the people who actually experienced it on their skin...

[@aminalazz9331]

So true

[@dynrgal]

"Is"...not "was" to live it

[@adinaapril1631]

dynrgal you’re absolutely right present tense verb to be...IS!!! Definitely

[@TRESA4MEN]

Maybe we should creates Know your Rights classes in the black neighbors..

[@tiffanigreen8116]

❤❤❤

[@morena1484]

I'm here for that!!

[@user-tk7rl6hw6c]

I’m there too

[@tilabryant2948]

Borders King great idea❤️

[@jonesy4546]

💯💯💯

[@Auron1Roxas2]

When They See Us was hard to watch, especially when you realize that after everything that happened to those boys, nothing has really changed.

[@Auron1Roxas2]

@@olglory4648 Some day you might pull your head out of your own ass and actually educate yourself. Unfortunately you choose to remain an ignorant and racist piece of shit. What a sad excuse for a human being.

[@Auron1Roxas2]

@M J No dumbfuck, not facts, a racist troll who's too damn ignorant and pathetic to see how pointless they're life truly is.

[@7milegreat]

M J I’ve learned there is no purpose in debating a racist online there’s a talking point for everything supported by your alternative facts. I’m no longer interested in changing the minds of white racist they can all go overdose in there double wide as far as I’m concerned.

[@donaldcole815]

@M J whites are usually killed by whites. So, what's your point again?

[@mercylago4744]

The way cops treat young men like they're already guilty. When they never did anything to begin with.

[@jinx724]

Aside from just the intelligent conversation yall were having I think hearing black men talk about the amazing strength of black women is so beautiful. I'm waiting for more black men to get on this wave

[@playablue]

They have been there... its just white supremacy and colorism will never ever show it. Shows like blackish where some of the cast aint even fully black and other stimulating shows that show the unlikelihood of black people being truly together is a major problem

[@adrianej5625]

I agree with you Tiara! These brothers were on point! And they gave pros to the families who stood by their side through it all.

[@Wetesk53]

Black men propping you up on your strength is not a compliment. You are NOT a mule. Only a weak and conquered man needs his woman to be strong.

[@laurenkeys9314]

@@Wetesk53 i want to see their wives

[@DJShoutSmith]

Korey's episode, as a human being and African-American, "Fucked" me up!!! I had nightmares about that shit!" I'm a strong Blackman, but this episode hurt me & perturbed me deeply!!!!!!

[@chanelsawyer128]

😢🤧

[@cejjackson96]

D.J. Shout revelation I agree I watched it yesterday and it messed me up all day and has been on my mind today. My god they lived this we only watched it and it has jacked me up so much

[@Dezzy122692]

I thought I was the only one who had nightmares about Korey. I'm a black woman from NY and literally I'm terrified about raising my two black toddler boys here, I feel so uneasy to think that in the future I would have to give them discussions about how people in world will view them because of their skin 😔

[@BluDrop5]

Honestly, I don't think I'm going to be able to watch it. Based on people's reactions, I'm going to be triggered.

[@anthonyervin8304]

I hope and pray that every correctional officer who hurt Korey and allowed other inmates to hurt him never have a good night's sleep for the rest of their miserable lives!

[@soflo858]

I'm more disgusted with the black male corrections officers and inmates that added to their trauma while being wrongfully imprisoned. Shame on them..

[@RIDAMAN79]

Agreed! I was equally disgusted with them and was hoping for some sort of retribution or something to help exact revenge on all of those people that essentially rubbed salt in their gaping wounds while being black "men" themselves. Sickening!!

[@kaneshamayo1517]

Unfortunately that's what happens to rapists and child molesters in jail. Even to this day. They don't have to know that they're innocent or guilty their sentence in there for that crime and that's how they're treated. Which is why sexual offenders are often segregated from general population

[@kaneshamayo1517]

We just feel different because we know these boys were innocent. Had they been guilty for real, nobody would have bat an eye as to how they were treated in prison

[@africusyoya9426]

Yesssssssss, I agree. We need to talk abt that

[@moet131]

Same feelings here!! I dislike those officers more than the ones that arrested the boys & the detectives that coerced them

[@Calislayz101]

Ava did an amazing job at humanizing those black boys/men. The last episode broke me down. I cried like I knew him. Sheesh!

[@SceneAndHeardPodcast]

Even as a Black Woman, I felt exactly how these Men in this enlightening video described they felt. The helplessness is profound. :( Ava DuVernay is a National Treasure.

[@hivemind3000]

Great discussion, guys! The series was powerful but such a hard watch. I cried and cried. They were just kids and were failed by so many. They hypersexualize our Black and brown girls and paint our boys with such broad strokes, mistaking them for being older than they are or more aggressive. So, no, kids of color aren’t really allowed to be children. Even having to sit down and tell your children how to conduct themselves around cops or white people is robbing them of their innocence and purity. I want to be hopeful that this series will be a catalyst for change and not just a dramatization of continued oppression and criminalization. Cause there are more Linda’s and Elizabeth’s out there, and definitely more of the Exonerated Five out there who suffer from their prejudices and fears.

[@terrenceransom912]

LaTonya Darrisaw, I Totally Agree With You Whole Heartedly!!!!!!! MY BEAUTIFUL BLACK QUEEN😀😘👌🏾👍🏾👊🏾✊🏾☝️🏾💪🏾👏🏾✌️🏾💯📚

[@angelabrown1716]

I.N. Turrner damn, u just shut it down. And when I say IT, I mean that inferior racist. It amazes me how racists love to troll things like this. Esp, REAL LIFE, actions of white supremacists who do this and continues to. And has the freaking nerve to chide us for saying we are victims. Umm, cause we ARE!! So they validate their racism by these trollish racist comments. These CHILDREN were victims. Poc being killed every day by police brutality are VICTIMS. The fact banks are racist and refuse loans to POC are VICTIMS. Slaves were victims, jim crow. But anyway, u shut it totally down. Ur amazing.

[@ObstaclestoOpportunities]

Becuase we have failed to build a nation to protect our kids, so this is the reality of our kids. We have failed to do so much and the parents have just condition our kids to survive in these conditions instead of building a nation to destroy these oppressive powers and destruction. We need to think much more and true fight the battle in which we have not decided to fight. Civil Rights, "legal", politics are SMH Watch Black Ambassadors

[@jayejustj7955]

Dear Black Men...... I....LOVE....YOU PERIOD Call me crazy but I will continue to support and fight for you no matter what.

[@playablue]

You are not and never “crazy” thats that white suprmacy subliminal... dont evere get or think about it.

[@TizzleTravels]

Thank you...

[@f-luva-luva]

Yes! This sista feels the same way. We've got to support, protect, and fight for our brothers. I'm an aunt of 2 teenage black boys. The reality of what they will face in life makes me sad, but hardens my resolve to be ready to fight for them.

[@fefe7774]

You best believe I'm with you Sis

[@productjunkie1018]

Too bad it isn't reciprocated

[@serenity8704]

"Dangers of living in this black body" very deep and sad.

[@wanZ...]

Pray...the most high is paying attention.

[@garymitchell4291]

Lil sister the benefits of living in the black body out weighs any others....it's a gift and only GOD and those in this body knows!!!! None of this bothers me at 53 it just makes my resolve stronger...endure life and you'll see when ever you get this age. I promise you will FEEL the strength I feel!!!

[@dakotac180]

It was very heartbreaking but people need to watch it. Korey's story was the most tough.

[@mwadiyakin-malebo4135]

The series should be mandated for all Black people to watch especially Black men. And young Black men should listen to the young men on this panel.

[@1beatsbytdot]

I’m listening! & I share this sentiment

[@fizzychizzy]

Black people don't need to see this. Black men already KNOW this could happen. It should be mandatory for white people to see this. In essence, requiring Black men to see this is preaching to the choir.

[@traceygrant3386]

I’m older than all these young men. I was 24 when this happened I lived in Harlem I followed this case. And as a mother a black mother of a black male son . It was disheartening it was very disturbing. These guys summed it up in every word they said. Seeing this resurface in a documentary. It broke my heart it brought tears to my eyes. The fear in those children at the time. Like this this young man that’s the teacher said. I just wanted to be able to hug them. I hope and pray they found peace.

[@NviGWarren]

As a 43 yr old divorced mother I had to sit down with my 10 yr old son and watch the first episode. It brought up alot of questions. My son didnt even realize he was "black" and different until 7 yrs old... Now he knows why I have GPS on him and worry about him everytime he walks out the house. I think he is scared now... I wish his father was here to help him... but he left and went to Brazil!! 🥴 ... The Actors white and black did their thing in this series...👏👏👏

[@keshadorsey23]

Nvi Warren you have my sincerest prayer from one single mom to another! Much love

[@tumisomarebane2536]

"I don't think they mind being wrong .." that hit hard

[@thomasreeder118]

You no ...after watching this movie its really a big slap in the face bc even tho they were release from prison an rewarded 40 mil NOT ONE...NOT ONE..out of NYPD were place in jail so basically they told them "OK OK IF THATS WHAT MAKE YOU HAPPY THEN HERE TAKE THIS MONEY AN GET OVER IT BC NOT ONE PENNY CAME OUTTA THERE PERSONAL POCKET"""

[@eileenmc4746]

exactly-no remorse by cops, DA, media, folks or Trumpster

[@jesushateswood]

@@eileenmc4746 Ava, the director, said she reached out to the DA, cops, etc when she was doing research for the mini-series. Most did not respond and the few that did asked that she not tell the others. She said the police and the DA are sticking to the lie. The former DA Linda Fairstein is getting trashed on social media. Currently she's a successful fiction writer.

[@raineyj560]

And to think police stations around the world are going to show this to new recruits, where is that bridge so I can sell it to you.

[@1984reed]

The irony...Linda Fairstein, a successful fiction writer. She's good at making up stories.

[@dontaethompson7833]

Very true man they're paying them with our money so why not we pay them get them out of the way and we don't have to sacrifice any legal action towards us if we pay them off and never admit that we were wrong about this horrible race based case put together to just say we got somebody for the crime

[@torig5802]

Unfortunately I do not think watching this prior to a cop getting a badge will be Beneficial. For some joining the police force is a opportunity to do exactly what these same cops did.

[@neeuqamilam1170]

Justice is soon coming! Judgment will be executed on all of these demons involved because they did this evil deed to harm.

[@EnduranceTrainer]

Change is coming it’s just coming slowly. I know for sure in the state of Alabama, They have been working very hard to clean house in these police stations. One city for example, Dothan, the entire police station was cleared out from the top to the bottom. Most of the South has been working really hard on finding all of the KKK members who have infiltrated the legal, police, and justice system and removing them. The problem is is we don’t ever hear about this. But this is something that is going on in the south and has been going on for a while now. I am moved from Germany to Alabama, by way of the military and was in total shock because I knew the history of Montgomery Alabama. However after living there for a number of years it’s nothing like I thought it was gonna be. Other than a few random issues when going into a store, I’ve never had any issues there. Are used to get pulled over weekly for speeding, because I grew up in Germany, and the police officers were always nice I hardly ever got tickets just got warnings. The media wants us to believe that change is not happening, but it is, it’s just happening slowly. Unfortunately, it really seems like the south, who has a very bad reputation, is leading the way. I currently live in the DMV, but I’m moving back to the south because this mess up here with these racist folks is way too much for me to deal with.

[@JourneywithMAMAZURI-hb8nr]

@@EnduranceTrainer KEEP READING. Jeff SESSION, FORMER ATTORNEY GENERAL, FORMER SENATOR OF ALABAMA, THAT IS THE GRAND WIZARD. LOOK UP WHAT HE DID PRIOR TO LEAVING OFFICE. SISTAH VISIT THE PRISONS. MEN ARE BEING KILLED, RAPE IS BEING USED AS WAYS TO CONTROL, AND INTIMIDATE. THOSE INFLICTING INJUSTICE, CANNOT BE THE SAME GOVERNMENT ADMINISTERING JUSTICE, TO THOSE THE INJUSTICES HAVE BEEN INFLICTED UPON.

[@EnduranceTrainer]

Queen Deborah in my above statement I never stated any changes were coming about by anyone in political power. I never said things are perfect and a world change of heart and attitude has changed in the state of Alabama, I brought up the changes that are taking place, that you won’t see in the media because that doesn’t speak to their agenda. Since you brought up prisons, there have been some great strides in the release of many falsely accused & young kids serving adult time. There have been officers fired for planting drugs & guns on ppl, especially the city of Dothan. I can read about all that you brought up, but I’ve also done my due diligence of finding about the loads of great changes that are taking place, which is one of the reasons the ones you speak of have been doing what they have been doing lately. They want to put up roadblocks to all the great things that have been happening. If we keep focusing on the negative and don’t look beyond the narrative the media wants to load us down with, we miss out on the changes that could actually use our attention to spread so more help can be brought in. But I can’t change your image of the state. You have the south all summed up for yourself. And I’m not sticking up for the state because I’m from there, I was a transplant to Montgomery by way of Europe. I came there with fears and preconceived notions. Then I got involved and saw things because I chose to make the best of my assignment there. I’m no longer there, but I can say even with all the negative, there is PLENTY of life changing positives in the south. Most just refuse to look passed the past & their own hate.

[@EnduranceTrainer]

Queen Deborah look up Bryan Stevenson. Have your own opinion, but I would hope we know by now that the media isn’t on our side, they like stirring up hate & anger. We need to be better and drive the positives that are happening to the surface. As they rise, it allows change to happen quicker and with more support. We can show the bad, but these stories or black Harvard grads, multiple scholarships etc, do more to change the image the world has about black people and does a really good job of getting the world on our side then ALWAYS showing our victim side. YES, we are victims often times, but there is SO MUCH MORE to our story!!

[@antunesiaharris32]

I am happy the film has spurred the discussions. The same issues exist today. The criminal justice system is akin to concentration camps.

[@Thinkem29]

The plight of African people globally breaks my heart & has my PTSD TOO HIGH :-( -May my brothas & their family be. Blessed -ASHE'

[@differ212]

Keisha Kenya Stiger say that again girl. For real 😭😭😭

[@dorcaswhitaker8746]

Sensitivity Training? I don't know if you can teach or force sensitivity. Sensitivity should be innate. Being human should make you sensitive to other human's pain. The problem is they don't see us as human. What can we do about that? Absolutely nothing. That's why what happened 20 yrs ago happened 400 yrs ago. And, is still happening today. We can't make them see us as human because they don't want to. They don't want to because if they see us as human they would have to see themselves as monsters.

[@ddbrown1121]

Amen...well said!

[@QueenQuain]

Dorcas Whitaker well the problem is u are not dealing with humans

[@coduks93]

You NAILED this shit! I felt it all the way from the UK!!!👏🏾👏🏾👏🏾👏🏾✊🏾But I still believe that in spite of this, we are chosen people and there’s a purpose to our suffering (no other race would still stand strong after being violated as we do!). We will prevail!

[@yogaflame4128]

“ They Have no heart in there eyes for anything outside of what they care about, and we are taught that even in those moments, we are supposed to be fair..”

[@mariecass1983]

I care a lot less about what they think when they see us than about how best to strip them of the power to negatively impact my life. They may act the way they do because deep down they feel Blacks are genetically superior. Point is people don't always attack because they think someone is inferior. The deeply insecure will also attack when they feel threatened by someone they perceive as potentially bigger, faster, stronger and smarter.

[@DunDone_IT5252]

Yes Marie!!!

[@wearingrosecoloredgoggles6891]

I don't think the feeling is that deep down

[@laminediallo9014]

I want more of this content 🙌🏿

[@playablue]

I’m sorry thi will never ever happen. The only way this was even produced made or thought to be done is timing.. They hold have come out with this so long ago its blatant that its a timeline thing. This is about assimilating black people to saviors that are trying to show the real now. hence not showing it then or up until this point. Remember spike lee lost funding for Malcolm X because it showed black unity. This movie shows real reality yet it wants to depict it as 30 years ago becuase its literally 30 years ago so people will shrug it off like it aint current the same way these boys were seen as guilty then. bless up.

[@SportsandTrueCrime]

OMG...Korey...PART 4...I suffered thru JUST WATCHING it. I can’t even imagine. Heartbreaking. Yes, they were financially compensated, but no dollar amount could ever make up for the childhood lost and the trauma endured. I’m happy to read that they r all alive and as well as could be at least. 🙏🏽 to them all and their loved ones. P.S. Salute to Ava and all of the actors/actresses for their amazing performances to convey the emotions of the actual CP5 and their families. I felt like I was watching a documentary with the actual boys instead of those who were cast.

[@spacediof]

Great discussion. This series was so heartbreaking but necessary to watch.

[@TXejas19]

"Can we move the rape time up?" Still has me shook. WHAT?!?! 😡

[@didi-ve4jy]

SAME I WANNA PUNCH THEM IN THE FACE

[@DeborahWalkerXOXO]

I don't know that I will be able to watch this mini series. Roots made it hard for me to navigate the world for a while. I don't imagine this will be different. The things African Americans go through is on a different level. I just feel soo sad about it. But people are surviving, thriving in some cases. This level of conversation is needed; black people need safe spaces to connect with one another and discuss higher concepts. Thank you for opening that door

[@natashaluo5697]

I struggled over 3 days but I'm glad I made it to the end.

[@MegaLabStudios]

Beautiful conversation fellas! ✊🏽

[@jaewilliams9443]

I loved the commentary. Thanks for recognizing the Black woman, even though you were sharing your life perspectives. Great work!

[@davidbanner9344]

I have no desire to converse with those who see us as a negativity, I'd rather let them stew in their ignorance. I have no desire to educate them about me!

[@yogaflame4128]

david banner BINGO! That’s the first step we need to adhere to. FUCK HOW WE THEY PERCEIVE US. ITS ZERO TO DISCUSS. We see what we are up against

[@girl2h4u]

Thank you for this discussion. I watched it and literally couldn’t sleep after and had no one to talk to about it. So thank you for the discussion, it will definitely help in processing the horror that occurred to those babies

[@skrlreels2060]

I too had to pause the series and take a break a few times each episode. I was crying and hurt because I can relate to the different issues each boy and their family went through. It was so disgusting to watch these detectives wrong these kids. Just to know that this actually happened is so disheartening. Then to see the now president pushing for the death penalty made me sad. I am the same age as these guys and I remember the Central Park jogger rape but I do not remember the trial or the boys or if they have found the rapist. I grew up in NYC. I think I was 13 or 14. I am so sorry that these boys / now men who went through this. I know it has changed my perspective. What I think about, mainly is what do those detectives get for making those boys confess lies???

[@geris4669]

they talk about the knowledge of that one mother knowing her son's rights but truthfully, what difference did it make? he still was wrongfully incarcerated. And that is my fear. I am educated, I have a career, resources etc and they still get to do what they want. It left me feeling so helpless

[@fizzychizzy]

I think that is the point as well. We can't down any of the parents. The educated mom and the single mother that couldn't be there for their kid both ended up with incarcerated sons. The SYSTEM is the problem. Telling kids to not talk to cops is just a bandage. The SYSTEM needs to be fixed. The system takes in black bodies regardless of background, education, careers, and resources, and grounds them up like raw meat. And then it releases them into a world where there is little opportunity for them as felons. Its sad.

[@tye958]

2019!!!! We are still having this conversation...people know right from wrong they choose to hold on to privilege. I'm tired of it!!!

[@alexisf22]

I agree as a black person I feel that this may go on forever we may not get equality in this lifetime

[@Cahluvca]

Might be hard to watch for some...but the reality is best served in your face! Not much has changed..most of America is segregated by communities....

[@SimeonToko]

A soldier wears camoflage not because he cares what his enemy thinks but to be able to blend into the surroundings so he can move and shake to accomplish his mission. We don't have to care how they see us but we must know how they see us and how seeing us makes them react. We are behind enemy lines.

[@charleshenderson4326]

Blend in and destroy the enemy from the inside.

[@charleshenderson4326]

@Black Lion we are already diluted from our original form through slavery so procreation with white women is irrelevant to the conversation.

[@charleshenderson4326]

@Black Lion the biggest problem for the black community is not white women. It's economic policy and wealth that we don't have and aren't willing to sacrifice to get. We are a have it now community because that is what we we're taught. We don't stand in solidarity because we are easily manipulated into thinking our people flawed.

[@baderinwa1]

Neely Fuller Jr. states that, “If you don’t understand White Supremacy, everything else will confuse you.”

Sadly, in this day and age, most people, particularly persons of color, do not know Mr. Fuller nor the great Dr. Frances Cress Wesling....When, when will people ever, ever going to learn.

[@dannakelechi8573]

"If you are not dead or in Jail you are a successful black man" that speaks volumes!!! 😓😓😓

[@rocheanspencer9979]

This movie educated me to not be so ignorant about trans women. I will never stereotype them again their story was real &thank you for showing us their story ad well brilliantly stated my brother in the interview .

[@missmiss9539]

This was deep , such a necessary movie and conversation .. we love you Black men .. keep your heads up🙏🏼💕

[@nianewton2551]

Oh this was sooo necessary! I love seeing my black King’s come together and have this conversation

[@roddiboi87]

"As men Idk if we deserve the femininity that's around us!" SPEAK!!!! This was great!

[@GlobalFreeLiving]

Black and Brown people need to understand that we are consider a product/chattel for profit. For the last 500 years we were denied a real education or opportunities so we could do low wage jobs or go to prison and work for free. We are like the untouchables of India... we the 92% of the population who is controlled by oppression. We can change that over night.

[@Charles-tt3dr]

Black and Brown people??

[@GlobalFreeLiving]

@@Charles-tt3dr, I apologize... Africans with 68 different hues. WE are all African/Moors.

[@wycliffelevigan6702]

This is what i always say you are dealing with a group of people who don't view you as people and want to exploit you and your culture...

[@heaty007]

@@wycliffelevigan6702 we dont know black culture. That hip hop trash on tv is not your culture.

[@ct5951]

@@heaty007 Hip Hop is not trash! And it is my culture.

[@badgalmeme2438]

We need a video on EMMETT TILL

[@badgalmeme2438]

Is it recent ? If not we need a more recent one so it can reach more people ! Jayz and will smith were working on one but idk if they're still going ahead with i t

[@CB-gl5xn]

Why?

[@walewilliams6298]

They need one of George Stinney as well

[@88soulfultone]

Scottsboro boys

[@RickyMercado1]

Badgal meme ...Watch ‘The 13th’ on Netflix.

[@141Lav]

I have an adult son and trust me I've not slept well since he was born always worrying that something like this would and still will happen to him. He has good job and walks a straight line but you never know what could happen. Shout out to the 5 Kings that survived absolute hell and to you brothers here discussing a very very important event. Jah bless us 💯👌🏿💪🏿😍💕

[@bjsantana8415]

Can’t blame you it a tough world 🌎 for Black man out there.

[@Kirdy]

Thank you, Black Men, for this discussion. I would love to see more conversations from this panel. We love you, black men!

[@moorpapi154]

We love you too Queen

[@Kirdy]

moor papi 🥰🥰❤️❤️

[@moorpapi154]

@@Kirdy ❤❤

[@sscott504]

I don't think the majority realizes that God was definitely in the plan to move Corey to that prison where he met up with the truth

[@cody_dbn]

Yes my exact thoughts

[@baller23.]

Yes, I saw this as a Divine Purpose but i was still angry.

[@JourneywithMAMAZURI-hb8nr]

SOMEBODY WAS CALLIN ON THE ORISHAS

[@JK-rt1gy]

Would this be same god that stands by while black boys and murdered every day? Same god that lets children die of starvation? Same god that allowed us to be kidnapped and enslaved? Makes me wonder whether there is a god out there looking up for black people! You cannot worship the same god that your slave master worshipped!

[@JourneywithMAMAZURI-hb8nr]

@@JK-rt1gy ASHE'

[@lisamurray2662]

The level of sharing from this panel is amazing. Thank you Brothers for letting us see into your Soul. Your Boyish joy is still intact.

[@alexacosta9569]

Park 5 effected every teenager, child and parent in NY, my mother went into panic mode I had be home before 7 pm, as kid living in west 86 st it took a lot of freedom from me,I couldn’t go to the movies, I couldn’t go to Central Park, it kind of felt like Jim Crow....

[@nyckie19]

More black people need to be encouraged to become lawyers, judges, DA, prosecutors, detectives, law makers and people who can be make real changes for their communities. We can't only be successful in sports and entertainment...

[@daisysamuel1549]

As a mother with my first born 2 years old black baby boy .... this Broke me I cried so hard and looking into his little face still feeling emotional 😭

[@SupraSoulStar]

14:38 Awww this part really touched my heart. You seem to be an amazing teacher, thank you for being there for the next generation❤

[@adrianej5625]

Wow! This was a great discussion. I wish your panel could/would go around the country to HBCUs and have this topic as a discussion series. Even to high schools across the country, churchs and elementary schools. This series by Ava Duvernay needs to be seen by everyone and then it needs to be discussed because it is so dense with information and a point of view that it's not often covered by the media. Therefore, what has been viewed and the emotions felt can be broken down analyzed and interpreted the way you all did --asking the tough questions that this panel covered, is a must. We as a community and a country must figure out a way -- as one of the young men said, to dismantle this pervasively corrupt system. And having conversations like this starts the ball rolling. Bravo to The Root for starting the discussion!

[@edwinjones1000]

The corruption goes MUCH higher. I have a similar story on KZbin that IS this story and much more.

[@IamSacredSista]

This was a great dialogue. Thank you! 👏🏿👏🏿

[@anniefreeze8822]

Say it again! The comment about how Antron's mom having to take that blow & bounce back! Thank you Kings

[@ladym4014]

The young men who portrayed the lead characters were just phenomenal!!! The cast as a whole were great. Omg I was angry and I through out this film. I'm so happy the falsely accused were able to make a life after this tragedy.

[@karrasue]

This was an excellent conversation by the panelists. I haven't seen "When They See Us" yet, but I will tonight. I wanted to get insights from the African-American community before watching so I can key in on particulars that touched you all. Thank you for sharing your views. Peace to all of us in the human realm.

[@submissiveproviderstboth9485]

MOUSE is in ANOTHER HOUSE dropping GEMS like ALWAYS 😍😍😍

[@kdooley41]

Love him!!

[@anyaross7088]

As an educator and a parent it hurt me to watch. I can remember finding out that I was having a son a year and half ago and feeling fear from that moment on, because I already know that he won't be seen as the handsome boy he is. I fear for my students because they will be judged based on where they live and what they look like. It hurts that this happened so many years ago and yet nothing has changed. We have to come together and work to make the change we want to see and to protect ourselves and our children. We have to be willing, ready and able to fight to protect our brothers, sisters and children. Amazing film and needed discussion.

[@HeavyontheChai]

From the street police, the detectives, prosecutors, defense team, judge, prison guards, and some of the parents failed those children.

[@differ212]

This was a brilliant conversation; I wish you could do a part 2,3,4,5. ( just saying). This docu series uncovers so many levels. So much trauma and pain and the residual effects of slavery. It is the impacted perception of of people that continues to be slaughtered. Slaughtered..... Slaughtered through environmental, educational, economics, opportunity, entrance into life ( medically) all the way to middle age.

[@VFurby1]

So much blame to go around. My heart goes out to the kids and the parents. The young man who was sent to grown man prison, his ordeal specifically, keeps me up at night. The correction officers who willfully played a role in his tragedy, makes me have a whole new view of them. I’m just sick with disgust for the entire horrific event.

[@jpreddy3665]

The crime scene...it was one person! One set of footprints, semen, hair! It didn’t make sense that a group was present at the scene of the crime

[@lorenamackey218]

They also took Kory an one other back to the crime an tried to make him fall into the blood...so sad

[@schadellconnor7891]

ABSOLUTELY. She saw one set of footprints at the scene

[@lateefatsanni542]

When I watched the scene with Kharey Wise on the stand, I started crying because if I was the judge or their lawyer, I would have questioned the truth in the confessions given the fact that he couldn’t even read what he signed. I would have made it clear that it means those statements have been fabricated

[@nakidaq7866]

Right nobody said anything about that part

[@CB-gl5xn]

My 19 year daughter and I watched this together and her father and I told her the same thing “we lived through this time .” We were teenagers. I love the fact that Ava made this to show the family and boys side of things. Kudos to her on making us see how human these families were, they reminded me of my family and how we react to other families being locked up, jail visitation and support. The movie opened my eyes to a lot and I’m glad these intelligent men decided to view their respective of the series.

[@SW-pc9ye]

"When they see us" aftermath should be a serious wake up call to black & brown families! The film proved that not only are the alleged suspects affected, but that they whole family & community is affected! Let's continue to learn about the country we live in & the possibilities in effect!

[@starcherry6814]

I always knew US prisons were cruel But it was entirely different seeing it on screen

[@Columbiana777]

Understand there is no justice in the justice system; if they get ahold of you they have already decided your fate. The people that work in the “justice” system are no different than the person matching the corners on the White Castle burgers. It’s just a job for them and it just sucks to be you if they get ahold of you.

[@SB-fu1ze]

This is what the title “When they See Us” means to me: it means a matter of life and death...straight up! I’ve known about this case from its conception and ALWAYS knew they were innocent! Finding out the behind the scene things that happen to these boys and their families is overwhelming. Ava DuVernay should win every award out there this for this body of work. If this series doesn’t move you...something’s wrong. I hope this story prompts real change and holding these oppressors accountable.

[@alexisf22]

" There is no win for me or any black person" my God when will we get justice I pray that God brings justice down on this evil world

[@2Sunny100]

I appreciate this panel. I couldnt stop crying watching this true story. I cry for the young men this is still happening to right now!

[@charleshenderson4326]

Honestly I want black unity and safety, I want to feel safe in my community to the point if I'm falsely accused the community will stand for me instead of one or two individuals. Imagine a crowd of armed black men at the police station and not scared just exercising their rights. The black community should wrap it's children up and stand in the way of evil and oppression. We as Black people should be a shining beacon, a leader into the darkness and truly selfless like Malcom and Martin showed is we could be.

[@JK-rt1gy]

Charles Henderson and walk away from this religion that continues to enslave us mentally!

[@greenbyrd3665]

"an APB out on every kid in Harlem". Unbelievable. This is why I haven't yet watched the series. Every time I watch an interview with the CP 5, I get angry. I will have to prepare myself to watch the series.

[@bertoyardie8731]

I watched it last night and I swear I have not slept yet..I stayed up all night through morning watching interviews with these kids now men..I can't help seeing Korey face every second, the pain he felt I can't even begin to imagine..This some fucked up shit man I feel for young black men and black men in general in America..hold your heads up fam

[@greenbyrd3665]

​@@bertoyardie8731, I feel you. I will probably have to watch/walk away, watch/walk away in order to get through it. If there is any justice at all, there will be a day of reckoning for that idiot prosecutor who refuses to admit she did anything wrong.

[@greenbyrd3665]

@From the Futon, Of course. Let's just ignore the DNA evidence, the confession of the actual rapist, as well as the release from prison and multi-million dollar settlement for the young men. Your wanton disregard for the truth is what is unbelievable.

[@greenbyrd3665]

@From the Futon, Ummm, okay... Have a good day.

[@wizawoman]

As a white woman, I've never understood why so many whites treat blacks the way they do. I was born on Chicago's south side in Hyde Park, near The University of Chicago. I saw every nationality in the world. My first exposure to racism, however, didn't occur until I moved to Dolton when I was five. Just from overheard conversations that indicated black people as "them" - already I was introduced to divisiveness. When Emmitt Till was tortured to death, I was only 4 years old, so I didn't really understand the news back then, but when I did, I was appalled to learn that any human being could abuse another human being the way Emmitt Till was tortured. I was horrified and outraged. Two men I greatly admired died four and a half years apart. I really hoped both of them would bring our country together. One was President Kennedy; the other was Martin Luther King, Jr. When they were assassinated, I felt as if a bomb had exploded in my chest. By the time Kevin Richardson, Antron McCray, Raymond Santana, Jr., Korey Wise, and Yusef Salaam were accused of rape, battered repeatedly, and sent to prison for a crime they didn't commit, I was bewildered, because I couldn't understand WHY whites berate and humiliate blacks so often. Then President Obama came along and my faith was renewed, but Republicans blocked practically everything he tried to accomplish. And then the 2016 election came along and I felt the bottom of the world fall out from beneath my feet. I still don't understand and probably never will understand what is happening in our world. But I have a theory. Whites stole the land from beneath the native Americans, bought or stole from Africa men and women they used as slaves. They bullied HUMAN BEINGS into following their dictates. That white supremacist mindset wiped out thousands of Jews, too, and today, that same attitude gives these people the "right" to continue the hatred and divisiveness. I have to believe that a consciousness somewhere in the white race recognizes all the horrible things whites have done to various people, including Mexicans today and one day will rectify the evil that has penetrated their souls. This video I just watched revealed to me so many things white people don't think about. I never had to tell my son, for instance, to watch out for the police. We need more documentaries like, When They See Us, and we need more education about the reality of our history, not what we've been taught in grammar school and high school that revealed everything from a white perspective. We are not living in a "system" today - we are living in chaos. This documentary needs to be shown in police stations and schools across the nation. My 50th high school reunion is this year. Has anything changed in the past 50 years? From my viewpoint, no. And from what I see in the White House, things have gotten worse. And that saddens me.

[@nakidaq7866]

Thanks for being truthful

[@HariOm-dp7um]

I haven't worked up the courage to watch it as yet. God bless Ava and all those who fight all the injustices in our world

[@lorenzoburton3974]

This conversation is very healthy 👊🏿. Thank you

[@kimberlydean5593]

When They See Us!!! Everything about this was done RIGHT. I watched the entire series with no breaks with my son. I have worked two jobs to take him out of areas where we live that might put him in situations with law enforcement. Only to see that by shielding him, I am not helping him. This was a way to change his world view. We have been talking more and more about this issue. Nothing has changed with how they see us but us knowing our rights and how to react/ act in situations like this has to. To anyone reading this , You are here for a reason.

[@Confidentk9sCa]

"I ran downstairs after the first episode and sat my kid down." Yes! Educate your kids, get the word and the story out, show up to those important protests, sign those petitions, take the injustice of any law holders criminal activity to your local MLAs, mayors, senators, etc., and vote for those who have the ability to change the laws against criminal law holders. The law needs to change for more internal investigations of law holders, stricter punishment for criminal law holders and no statue of limitations for criminals hiding behind badges so easily and overly defended. Make them fully accountable and less will be criminal.

[@EeviPope]

To hear black men acknowledge the presence, love and sacrifice of black trans women is important and major thank you for this❤️

[@anthonycfletcher1232]

Great talk. Ava's clarity of purpose is the HOPE indeed!

[@ms.sharon.262]

Great Conversation. Loved the different perspectives and experiences from each of you. Haven’t seen the film as yet, a bit hesitant because I will prob cry through the whole thing. It’s something I need to see, I have followed the Central park 5 story for years, hoping it would come to the screen. Thank you for acknowledging black women our struggles are not easy.

[@dianaquesada1951]

When you have to pray to God for protection from the police--somethings wrong😢

[@mrscpjones16]

Black parents we must protect our black boys.

[@deonatillman]

The optimism of the last statements makes me hopeful that our words and who we are will just be seen as human and different but no less instead of threatening and dangerous... I hope all little black kids can just be little kids, free of the racial burdens of otherness and showing their true selves however they want to express it to the world.

[@yogaflame4128]

Deona Flowers 🛑 STOP ✋ that way of thinking is what’s keeping us down. FUCK HOW THEY PERCEIVE US. They perception is FIXED on destroying YOU.

[@joywilkins64]

This should make us think twice about choosing to select members of that oppressing race to be marriage partners etc. Those issues are still alive and well today and has gotten worse. This should make brown males think twice about chosing Becky or Brad for pleasure when they are also a part of the problem. These situations will never go away. They will always remain the same.

[@teresaamanfu7408]

I think we should be wary about who is commenting. There are some comments that on the surface sound genuine but are probably from trolls pretending to be black. Very insidious.

[@natkatbow]

Mouse @24:35-25:17 THANK YOU!!!! I was just dealing with this very frustration this week........this brought tears to my eyes.....just really feels good for a black man to see and convey what we as black mothers go thru.....

[@JuneGDP]

I was busy raising three daughters in MD and missed this case totally. I just heard about it this week. I grew up a Christian in de facto Southern California. I am glad that the men did not think of themselves as victims. To live a Godly life is important. Horrible things have happened to us since before we were brought here from Africa.. As people, we must be proactive and be strong.

[@rocheanspencer9979]

Its mind blowing how no one stood in the gap for these young boys ..... no food no sleep Smh .......

[@Alize229]

I was upset and i held my tears back during the 4 part series. Its sad how the prosecutor and police turned them against one another during questioning. Its sickening how we as African Americans get treated by the justice system and the government. They want us down, dead or locked up. And as for Trump he can kiss my ass.

[@NRashad212]

I like that mouse suggested that cops watch this before they complete their training however i think the anti black bias is more ingrained than people think. Being a police officer is an intoxicating position, because it comes with so much power. People get drunk off it and when they go into it they may have a pre-develop hatred for black people. How do we even tackle that? Should we tackle that and how do we keep those people out of organizations and institutions like the police?

[@MsChari40]

My family went to Germany at that time as well, so I missed this whole era. When the confession was made, I was a new mother so I didn’t hear about it until Trump became president and people talked about those ads he’d placed. I didn’t get the whole story until this series came out. I’ve made sure my son knows to exercise his Miranda rights if ever necessary. This definitely opens a conversation for those with black men especially young black men in their lives. The deck is so stacked.😔😔😔

[@pamc8ks819]

Excellent Discussion. It is so important and empowering it is to hear all points of view. In the south 1940's, they would pick up all the black boys in town.

[@april6662]

I am a mother of two sons, we were all born and raised in Chicago. When this travesty happened to these men, I was 26 years old. The talk amongst us "Black" people in Chicago was that we were clear that they were being set up! My sons are 25 and 23, currently. It has become so dangerous in the city of Chicago for "Black" males especially, so we finally had to flee. Although we are not quite sure where there is safety, we knew it was no longer there for our family. As the policing becomes more aggressive, anxiety and other illness are also becoming more aggressive among us, including, hopelessness. But isn't that the Plan? Our only way out is God and each other, ourselves. I watched this movie-documentary expecting to be angered but what I experienced profoundly exceeded anger. There were moments of eye bulging shock! I screamed and screamed to God, I boo-who cried, I had to watch in increments in order to maintain self-control!! The only thing that kept me from going into depression is that I am choosing to be motivated by these overwhelming emotions to do something, create something to pay it forward, to help us, to be a part of our monumental need to help each other help ourselves. God and us is our way out of condemnation.

[@Moodymsmo30]

I appreciated this talk. Thank you mouse for inserting the power of black women🙏

[@honor01]

Honestly... I haven't had to heart to even press play on the series yet. I know I have to watch it... I just... haven't been able to do it yet.

[@byDsign]

I feel so deeply.... I'm hesitating too. But I'm gonna force myself... perhaps in 15 minute blocks across several days. With everything else that's going on, I have to protect my mental health. Peace

[@Xdeundrajohnson34]

I couldn't imagine going through any of that especially being so young so much time taken away from them. I don't understand how people can be such monster's it hurt to watch some of it.

[@redaquarian8665]

I watched it trying so hard not to watch it. In 1973 I was 11 years of age and I encountered some serious trauma getting hit by a Police Car while riding my bike. He knocked me off of my bike and instead of seeing if I was alright this Officer and his partner threw me in the back of their car, took me to the local Municipal Bldg and threw me in a jail cell. There, they verbally abused me, threatened to hang me said I was going to Juve for raping a White woman, etc. My life could've very easily gone down the same path as these beloved Central Park 5. Fortunately for me, there was a lady who worked there who knew my Mom and called her. Those 4 hours changed my life. I cannot imagine how all of these years of being locked up for something they didn't do has effected them. Now at 57 years of age in 2019 my riveting reality is that AT ANY MOMENT the same thing could happen to me or any of us.