The Red Effect (2016) - full transcript
Tensions rise in a southeast Washington, DC community following the deadly shooting of an unarmed black teenager at the hands of a white man. An impromptu television interview shortly after the shooting captures a powerful rant by life-long black community member Glenn Johnson who has managed against all odds to find his calling as the leader of a program that aims to give adults in his community a second chance at life. The same program from which the shooting victim recently graduated. Actor Pierre Walters's epic portrayal of Glenn as a no-nonsense instructor trying vehemently to help his students better themselves and overcome perceptions and stereotypes blends seamlessly as he becomes the voice of his community - a voice desperately needed after experiencing decades of racial inequality. Actress Tracy Allyn leads in the media investigation as Naomi Morgan, a young, white reporter not willing to back down even after being told by her black editor that it's an open and shut case. The strong supporting cast of Glenn's students deliver such realistic performances that the audience feels what it's like to live in their impoverished community. Directed by Jordan Miller, The Red Effect is an intense and thought-provoking film that doesn't hold back from asking the difficult questions. What is "right" in an America where negative perceptions reign?
(soft, bittersweet music)
- You're gonna have to
work your asses off.
Now a lot of you are here
today because you think
you can just show up,
sign a piece of paper,
and get the hook up.
Well, that's not how
this program works.
I'm here to help you find a job,
and take control of your future.
There are no grades,
there are no tests.
There is only you.
And if you think that you
are entitled to something,
then you have come
to the wrong place.
We don't hold hands here.
If you're here it's
because of two things.
First, you either didn't
graduate from high school,
graduated with no usable skills,
you're struggling
to make a living
and you lack the
tools to improve it,
or you have a criminal record
and it's holding you back.
Second, you recognize
these limitations,
and you're willing to do what
it takes to make a change.
Now, for the next
couple of days,
I'm going to be
putting faces to names.
That means if you
have a question,
please state your name first.
- What are the rules?
- If you have a question,
please state your name first.
- Uh, Jessi Davis.
What are the rules?
- There are three rules, Jessi.
(soft piano music)
Rule number one, be on time.
That means 10 minutes early.
If you're on time, you're late.
Rule number two.
(marker squeaks)
I want 100% effort.
Nothing less.
Rule number three.
(marker squeaks)
No profanity.
That includes the N-word.
This is your workplace, people.
Be professional.
- But you said asses
earlier. (chuckles)
- I make the rules,
you follow them.
If you don't like
it, there's the exit.
And you didn't say your name.
- Mm. It's Martin.
And that was a statement,
not a question.
(chuckling)
- Stand up.
- Ah, shit.
(tense music)
- You a thug, Martin?
- No.
- You smoke weed?
Everybody knows every thug
around here smokes loud.
(chuckles) Especially here.
From the looks of it, you
fancy yourself a thug.
- Excuse me, man?
- I bet you're strapped.
You got a gun on you
right now, don't you?
- Man, I ain't got no gun, man.
What you talkin' about, bro?
- You mean to tell me you
walkin' these streets of DC
and you ain't carryin' a weapon.
- Man, hold on, man, look,
why're you profilin' me?
Huh?
I'm just up here
tryin' to get a job
like e'rybody else
in this joint, man.
You playin' me
like a bamma, man.
- Whether you like it or
not, the way that you look
is the first thing
an employer notices.
Perception is everything.
If you don't look the part,
you'll never get the part.
Now a lot of you are
from around here,
and being from this neighborhood
already sets you
up with a bad rap.
Add being black on top
of that and the fact
that there are plenty of people
who would rather write you off
than give you a
chance in a heartbeat.
There are people who are
gonna wanna simplify you.
They're gonna wanna reduce you
down to the most basic
form that they can.
You need to learn how to
shape that perception.
You may sit down now.
If you go into a job interview
with a nice smile
and a nice outfit
then you control your image
and how that potential
employer sees you.
You make it harder for
them to simplify you.
I know it sounds petty,
but human beings are in
large part a petty species.
- Hi, um, I'm Rachel.
What if you can't
afford a nice outfit?
- That's a god question, Rachel.
We have a very strong network
of local businesses
and sponsors.
We'll take care of you.
It's all a game.
And we're gonna play it.
We are gonna fight injustice,
and we are gonna do it
with a smile and a tie.
Or a nice blouse for the ladies.
But even if you don't like it,
make me believe
that you enjoy it
because we are not
gonna take excuses
and we are not gonna
blame the system.
You are responsible for
your outcome in life.
It's more than just your resume,
or how well you can
answer the top 10
most common interview questions.
It's confidence.
We have a 90% placement record.
If you complete this program,
I will find you a job.
That's my commitment to you.
It's there if you want
it, take it or leave it.
All I ask is that you put
in a little bit of effort.
I don't wanna see
anybody wash out,
but we're all adults,
and that means it's
up to you to decide
that you want to
change your life.
I will give you 110%
because I know that
you'll do the same for me.
Now,
you're gonna get a 30
minute lunch break.
I want you back here by 12
noon, that means 11:50 AM,
be on time.
(school bell rings)
(grooving Motown music)
- Terrence, right?
(huffs)
(snickers)
All right, all right.
Strong, silent type.
(scoffs)
Man, she's a diddy type,
man, but she fine as hell.
Look at her, man.
I coulda booked her earlier,
but you know, I messed up, man.
I gotta step up my game,
you know what I'm sayin'?
- She ain't interested in you.
- You crazy, man?
This is Martin.
I could book her if I want to.
What you talkin' about, man?
- Is that right?
Well, she don't look like
the type that like bammas.
- Bammas?
Man, 'cause your face
ain't changed, man,
I don't know if you
jonin' or if you for real.
That's messed up, man.
(scoffs)
(chuckles)
That was messed up.
- Hey.
Do you think they
can get us a job?
- I don't know, girl.
They sure askin' a lot of time.
- It's just three weeks.
- What am I supposed
to do with my kids?
- Well, they gotta have
a daycare or somethin'.
- They don't.
- Yeah, well, where
are you gonna eat?
- I got my lunch right here.
I'm about to put
money in the meter.
- Oh.
- I ain't got no
money for you anyway.
I ain't got no money.
- I never asked you for money.
- Good, 'cause
ain't none for you.
I got enough mouths
to feed already.
- I was just being friendly.
- I don't need no friends.
Especially no hoodrat
on the hustle.
- I ain't no hoodrat.
You
fat cow!
(police siren wails)
- Ah, shit.
Damn.
- Time to go.
(sighing)
- Now we're gonna focus
on workplace development.
One of the biggest
factors that effects
your ability to secure
a job in this market
is if you can sell yourself.
I want you to imagine, imagine
that you are a salesman,
and that the client,
the client is your
potential employer.
The product?
You.
Now how are you gonna get
that potential employer
to buy into your product?
Well, I hope you have
an answer to that
because I got a very
special treat for you.
Today, we are gonna be
hosting mock interviews.
And it's gonna be your job
to try and persuade us,
the entire Aspire DC staff,
as to why we should
buy into you.
You only get one shot.
Make it count.
Any questions?
Good.
Gina?
- Each of you are
assigned to a group.
Each group has a
designated employer.
This spreadsheet will
tell you the time
and location of your interview.
Be on time.
Remember, it's about attitude.
Good luck.
(dinging)
(chill music)
- I'm a hard worker, two
years data entry experience.
- I got excellent verbal skills,
especially when it
come to the ladies.
- I'm a single mom with
two beautiful children.
- I'm good with money.
(dinging)
- I don't know.
Maybe being a bit
of a perfectionist?
- My uncontrollable weakness
to the power of pussy.
(chuckles)
- I don't do well
under pressure.
- Pass.
(dinging)
- Um, I'd,
um--
- What kinda conflict?
- You mean like if someone
takes someone else's yogurt
out the fridge or somethin'?
Pass.
(dinging)
- Oh, I don't know, um,
maybe owning my own business?
I mean, who knows?
Like, five years is a long time.
- I never really
gave it much thought.
We done?
- I don't know, man, what
kinda question is that?
Pass!
- We are in trouble.
(chuckles)
- Glenn?
There are two
police officers here
waiting to speak with you.
- Good morning, officers.
- Sergeant O'Hare.
This is my partner
Officer Smith.
- Glenn Johnson.
- We'd like to talk
to you if we could.
- You have to excuse the
place, it's an old building.
We're in the process
of making renovations.
What can I help you with?
- We'd like to ask
you a few questions
about Travis Mitchell.
- He's a good kid.
Graduated about a month ago.
I know that he didn't show
up for work this morning.
What do you know that I don't?
- When was the last
time you saw or spoke
with Mr. Mitchell?
- Well, he texted
me a few days ago,
but I haven't seen him
since he graduated.
- Did he ask you for
anything in this text?
- Why don't we get to
the point, officers?
- Mr. Mitchell was known
to associate with the--
- Wild Boys?
Do you even know which
neighborhood he grew up in?
Because you're not even
in the right zip code.
His friends did associate
with gang members,
but he was never a part of it.
- Well, that's kinda funny,
because he was involved in an
attempted robbery yesterday.
- Excuse me?
We talking about
the same Travis?
- And we believe it
was gang related.
- We don't know that for sure.
- He hangs out with
known gang members,
and he has a criminal history.
- Six months ago.
- What?
- Six months ago he
associated with gang members,
but not today.
- Whatever.
The kid tried to rob
somebody yesterday
and he got shot for his trouble.
- Travis was shot?
(sighs)
- We'd like you to
take a look at those photographs
and tell us if Mr.
Mitchell ever associated
with any of those people.
- How bad was he injured?
- Mr. Johnson, please.
- Where is he? Which hospital?
DC Medical?
- The kid's dead.
- Mr. Johnson,
if you could just look at
the photographs, please.
- Never seen any of them before.
(sighs)
- Take a longer look.
- No need, I've never seen
any of those people before.
- Look, we're just trying
to do our jobs here.
- Then do your job.
Stop making assumptions
based off rumors
and the kid's skin color.
- Thank you for your time.
- Sam, you didn't have to
come all the way down here.
- Well, calling wasn't working.
- I'm sorry, things have been
very crazy here this morning.
- I wish I was down here
with some good news.
- What's going on?
- One of our recent
placements, Travis Mitchell?
He was shot this morning.
- You know about that.
- It's all over the news.
And they're saying
it's gang related.
- We can't make
any confirmations
until we have all the facts.
They're just piecing together
a story based off of his past.
- Well, tell that to
Kessler Construction.
- What's going on?
- That's why I needed
to talk to you today.
They called this morning.
They're dropping out.
- Sam,
we don't even know
the full story yet.
- These companies don't
care about facts, Glenn.
No one wants to be affiliated
with negative publicity.
They know he was one
of our recent graduates
and they don't want
to assume the risk.
- Kessler Construction
is one of our
biggest employment
networks, Sam.
We cannot afford to lose them.
- What do you want
me to tell ya?
It's their choice.
And Glenn, if it
is gang related,
it's gonna be really bad
for the Aspire program.
I mean, really bad.
I can see what I can do
with some damage control.
I don't know how much
good it's gonna do.
You know these companies,
they talk to each other.
- All right.
Thanks, Sam.
(tense tentative music)
- Name?
- Max Ewart.
- Age?
- 34.
- Have you ever
been convicted of a crime?
- Yes.
- One pair of boots,
one brown belt,
one pair of blue jeans,
one wedding ring,
one cotton shirt.
(sorrowful music)
(classroom murmurs)
- Martin.
- What's up with you?
- Are you coming?
- Coming where?
- I was just saying I could
take you and Rachel downstairs
to hunt for some new clothes.
- No, I'm good, yo.
Nah, y'all ain't gonna
have me lookin' all crazy
in some double-breasted
Steve Harvey-lookin' suit.
(chuckles) Nah, I'm all right.
- You'd be surprised
what people donate.
- Nah, I'm good, man.
Y'all go ahead.
- Suit yourself then.
Ready, Rachel?
- Yeah.
- Where are you guys going?
- Downstairs to look
at some clothes.
- Can I come?
- Of course you can.
- Okay. (chuckles)
- Hey, I was just playing.
Let's go.
- I thought you had too much
swag for donated clothes.
- No, I was just kiddin',
I was just kiddin'.
I wanna check it out.
- Okay, then, I'll
take the girls first,
and then I'll come and get you.
In the mean time,
keep Terrence company.
Try to work on
his people skills.
(giggling)
(gentle piano music)
- I bet we can find
something nice in here.
- Maybe.
- Gina seems to think so anyway.
- Yup.
- I'm sorry about the other day.
My kids always have
me so stressed out.
I shouldn't have
taken it out on you.
Anyway, sorry.
- Hey.
What do you think of this dress?
- Very pretty.
(chuckles)
Come on.
I think I saw
something over there
that would look so great on you.
(pensive music)
- Can I help you?
- Yes, are you an
instructor here?
- Yes, I am.
- Then can you give
us your perspective
on the recent shooting
of Travis Mitchell?
- I'd rather not.
- The police seem
to think the victim
was actually trying to
rob the man who shot him.
You helped find that
young boy a job.
Do you bear some of
the blame for exposing
every day people to
a former criminal?
- I'm not gonna discuss this.
- It seems a large number of
graduates from your program
are individuals with
criminal records.
I was hoping you could
give us some insight
as to what type of
person this boy was.
- This program, ma'am,
is for young people
who are willing to
improve their lives
through work ethic
and self-development.
Despite the fact
that there are people
who are telling them
that it is pointless.
- And some of these individuals
do have criminal records?
- Some of them have had
run ins with the law, yes,
but they're here now, ma'am.
They're trying to make
something of their lives.
- Did Travis Mitchell
have a criminal record?
- Excuse me?
- We're just trying to get
the whole picture here,
that's all.
- The whole picture.
Okay.
Take a look around you,
ma'am, do you see this area?
Do you see the people
in this community?
They are constantly ignored.
They are constantly left
to fend for themselves.
Nobody helps them.
Only when something like this
happens do people like you
come down here expressing
interest in something like this,
and why is that?
Because you want to find out
what kind of petty crimes
this young black man must
have gotten himself into
in order to get into a
situation such as this.
Let me explain
something to you, ma'am,
because we're in a
situation right now
where a white man shot and
killed an unarmed black man.
A good man.
You come down here
to this school
to try and find out if this guy
has got some kind of
a criminal record?
Think about this, ma'am.
Let me explain something to you.
This white man, he is
probably going to walk.
And when he does,
it's going to be
because of people like you
who are focusing on
the wrong things,
focusing on what this
black kid must have done
to get himself killed!
- Sir, we're just trying to--
- You know what?
- I've got a class
that I need to teach.
Thank you.
- Did you get all that?
- Oh, yeah.
(scoffs)
- Good.
Hm.
Let's go.
- We're in a situation
right now where a white man
shot and killed an
unarmed black man.
A good man.
(static crackles)
(chill, pensive music)
- And let's get to some
breaking news right now
out of southeast Washington
where we're told
there's been shooting.
Our Richard Reeves is there--
- So was it any better today?
- What?
- I know you've been
distracted lately.
- Yeah, well, today
I got harassed
by some crazy
reporter at the job.
I guess there's worse people
to get harassed by, huh?
- I know that's right.
Ready for all those
mushrooms whenever you are.
- Okay.
- This
shooting that happened
just before four o'clock
happened next to that school,
Stanton Elementary School.
We believe it's now
a middle school.
A juvenile was struck.
We're told when he
was transported,
he was conscious and breathing.
What's sad about all of this,
besides the fact that a
young person was shot,
was almost at the same time,
people were loading up
into buses leaving classes.
So a very bizarre
and sad scene here
as investigators looking
around this area,
and young people getting
onto school buses.
Now we also have a
second scene here,
we're gonna walk around this way
right next to the DC school.
- Only when something
like this happens
do people like you come down
here expressing interest
in something like
this, and why is that?
Because you want to find out
what kind of petty crimes--
- Glenn.
Stop.
Listen.
- We're in a situation right
now where a white man shot--
- That's you.
- And killed an unarmed--
- You're on TV!
- You come down
here to this school
to try and find out if this guy
has got some kind of
a criminal record?
Think about this, ma'am.
Let me explain something to you.
This white man, he is
probably going to walk,
and when he does
it's going to be
because of people like you
who are focusing on
the wrong things,
focusing on what
this black kid--
- Why'd you turn it off?
- Cannot believe that
that reporter goaded me
into going off on TV like that.
Gina, she had that
planned from the start.
- Glenn, you were good.
- That, Gina, that's a
hotheaded pointless rant.
- It's not pointless.
There are people
who haven't thought
about it like that before,
and maybe you gave
someone a new perspective.
(chuckles)
- Nobody cares about
what a black man
is yelling about on the news.
(pensive music)
This white man, he is
probably going to walk,
and when he does,
it's going to be
because of people like you
who are focusing on
the wrong things,
focusing on what--
(static crackles)
Confidence.
It's more important than
what other people say or do.
Every day, we have a choice.
What attitude are we
gonna embrace for the day?
Life is 10% circumstance
and 90% how you
choose to react to it.
So smile!
- Yo, Mr. Johnson.
Saw you on the news last night.
- You was on the news?
- Yup, and he was pissed.
Talkin' about that
boy that got capped.
- All right, okay,
yes, I was on the news,
but we're not here
to talk about me,
we're here to talk
about you, okay?
So today we're gonna be
having mock interviews.
I can't send you out into the
world to interview for jobs
if I don't even
know if you can talk
to potential employers.
So Gina has got a paper on it,
she's got the top 10 most
common interview questions.
We're going to pass that out,
I want you to pair
up into groups,
and we're going to find out
if you can answer
these questions.
Gina and I are gonna be
listening to your answers.
- We lost another contract.
(murmuring)
- Who's it this time?
- Murray and Sons.
- Shit.
They were a big help.
We're gonna need some new blood.
- I've got some leads.
I'm gonna make some
calls after this.
(compassionate,
reflective music)
(Glenn chuckles)
- Where's your partner?
- I couldn't find one.
- Why not?
- There's no one left.
(chuckles)
- That's funny.
I see a whole room
full of people.
- Everyone else is paired up.
- You deserve a chance, Rachel,
but you are not
gonna get that chance
if you don't get out
there and make it happen.
There's no shame in failure.
The only shame comes when
you don't get back up.
Now go.
Find a group.
- I'mma book her, watch.
I'mma get them digits, dude.
- Yeah, I hear you talking,
I don't see a lot,
I don't see nothing.
- I'm telling you, man.
(laughs)
I'm telling you, man,
soon as that bamma
get up our of the way,
you know, I'm telling you.
- What's so funny?
- Nothin'.
- There's gotta be
something funny.
- Ah, we just
clownin' around, man.
- Why don't you practice
your interview skills for me?
- Man, we did that already.
- Why don't you do it again?
Martin, interview Terrence.
- Tell me your strengths, man.
- I'm passionate.
- Wrong answer. Try again.
- I'm a hard worker.
- Wrong answer.
Try again.
- I'm good with people.
- Wrong answer.
- What the fuck
is this bullshit?
- See, I knew you
were a hot head.
- You're trying to fuck with me.
- You need to learn
not to blow up
at every frustration
level, Terrence.
Sit down.
- Maybe I don't feel like
sitting down no more.
I ain't your punk ass bitch.
- Without a job, you
are everyone's bitch.
If you don't learn to
control your anger,
you'll never have a job.
Now sit down.
(chuckles)
- I got a job already.
- Clearly, you want
something more.
That's why you're here.
- Wanting somethin' don't
mean you can get it.
I got a job already,
and that's more than most the
motherfuckers in here can say.
- Don't settle, Terrence!
You can have more!
- You crazy.
You all crazy.
It's a bunch of bullshit,
man, I don't need this shit.
Get outta my way, man.
(chill, pensive music)
- Why did you take me
off the Max Ewart story?
- Last time I checked, I was
still the editor-in-chief.
I don't think I owe you a
reason for any of my decisions.
There is no story.
White male shoots black teen.
White male gets
arrested, the end.
- We don't know that,
there's still a trial.
- Naomi, let it go.
I bet if you looked hard enough,
there's a story in Chinatown
with your name all over it.
- No thank you, I've
got a story right here.
- This is a local story at best.
Without a sense of
injustice, nobody cares.
- Glenn Johnson.
- Yeah, the guy from Aspire.
So what?
- He's the product of an
environment that's angry
and tired of racial inequality.
He cares.
His community cares.
- What's your point?
- We uploaded that clip two
days ago on the internet.
1.5 million views.
Instagram, Facebook,
and Twitter.
Hashtag justice for Travis?
It's trending as we speak.
Some of the witnesses are
claiming that self defense,
another white male
acquitted for the murder
of an innocent black teen?
Thomas, do you know what that
will do to our community?
To our nation?
Give me an interview with Glenn,
and I will turn this
into a national story.
- And all this time I thought
you were just a pretty face.
It's yours.
- Yes!
- Go get to work.
- Love you, Thomas!
(chill, pensive music)
- And when he does,
it's going to be
because of people like you
who are focusing on
the wrong things,
focusing on what this
black kid must have done
to get himself killed!
* What you doin' ain't
improvin' any fuckin' lives *
* You was better off before
you started robbin' shit *
* Spendin' all this
time when you *
* Could save yourself
before you die *
* They ain't know that but I
knew that when I started this *
* It ain't easy to continue
but the hardest shit *
* Is that I want to die
* And I don't wanna keep
on recordin' this music *
* The lyrics speak, but
y'all ain't listen to it *
* Nobody cares about
a wayward soul *
* Nobody knows how much I
paid to have it paid in full *
* Well, fuck it
* Why am I the one
they puttin' down *
* Why ain't I the
one with gold *
* Why ain't the one who
take the fuckin' crown *
* Why do I make a sound
* Why don't I get to decide
(idle jazz music)
- Are you interviewing
for the job?
- Mm-hmm! Are you?
- Yeah, I actually read an
ad about it in the paper,
and I thought I
may be a good fit.
I'm kind of nervous, though.
I mean, I've never worked
in an office before.
This place looks really nice.
- Uh-huh.
- Do you have any pointers?
- Pointers?
- Yeah, like, you know,
for the interview, or maybe
even just working in an office?
- I usually don't give advice
to people who are applying
for the same position as me.
It's your outfit, honey.
- My clothes?
I, I was just
trying to look nice.
- Ms. Warren?
- Yes?
- You can come in now.
- That's me.
Good luck!
(door closes)
(keys clacking)
(phone rings)
- Hello.
- Hello,
is this Mr. Johnson
from the Aspire program?
I'm sorry to call, but I got
your number from the website.
It's about my son.
- Okay, that's all right.
Who's your son?
- My son
was Travis Mitchell.
- I see, uh,
I'm very sorry for your
loss, Mrs. Mitchell.
Travis, he was one
of my best students.
- I had
to call to thank you.
- Thank me?
For what?
- I saw you
on the news, Mr. Johnson,
and you defended my son in
front of God and everyone.
- You really don't need to--
- Yes, I do.
When I saw you on the TV,
it was the first time
that I actually heard
someone stand up
for my little boy,
and I needed you to know
how much that meant.
- I don't know what
to say, Mrs. Mitchell.
Travis, he had a
lot of potential.
I was just saying what
I knew to be true.
- Well,
I'll be going now.
Bye, Mr. Johnson.
- One moment, Mrs. Mitchell.
(sighs) I still have Travis's
graduation certificate.
He worked hard for
that piece of paper.
I thought you might like it.
- Oh my, I
would like that very much.
- I'll bring it over tonight.
- Thank you.
- Good bye, Mrs. Mitchell.
(phone receiver clicks)
(knocking)
(door creaks)
Mrs. Mitchell?
I'm Glenn Johnson.
We spoke on the phone.
- He was such a good boy.
I just can't believe--
- He was a very
dedicated student.
I was very proud to
have him in my class.
- He was always a smart boy.
- Did Travis
live here with you?
- (chuckles) Yes.
He was savin' up to
buy his own place.
He didn't have a lot,
but he'd work hard, and always
managed to put some away,
and he gave me some.
He was all I had, Mr. Johnson.
He was all I had left.
- It was pretty obvious that
he cared a lot about you.
- Yes.
He was a good boy.
- Well, I need to be
going now, Mrs. Mitchell.
Uh, I'm really
sorry for your loss.
Travis will be missed.
- Mr. Johnson, wait.
Wait right there, please.
Travis had big dreams,
and even when people
said that they was crazy,
he wanted to be a pilot.
See the world.
He never been on
a plane but once,
and they let him sit
where the pilot sits.
Gave him this.
He said it was his wings.
He kept it all these years.
You know, the things you
said on that broadcast,
Mr. Johnson, are things that
I really needed to hear.
My boy had a light in him,
and I just needed to know
that someone else saw that.
He might not have been a pilot,
but he could have
been somethin' great.
I just want you to have this.
- I can't take this.
- Please, Mr. Johnson.
Please.
- Thank you.
(hopeful, reflective music)
Hey, Rico, is your mom home?
- Mommy!
- Hey there, Rico,
I'm comin', honey.
Glenn.
What're you doin' here?
- I used to play with
these toys all the time
when I was your age.
This whole living room
used to be a battlefield.
- That's your Uncle Glenn, Rico.
I wish I'da known
you was comin' by,
I coulda at least
cleaned up a little bit.
- Well, I was in the
area, so I just, uh--
- Well, it's good to see you.
And don't mind Rico,
it's just been a while
since you've been around.
- He's getting big.
Where'd you find all my toys?
- Oh, upstairs in your old room.
Mom kept the door locked.
She swore up and down
that you were
gonna move back in.
(dishes rattle)
- I can send someone
over to fix that.
- It's okay.
It gets stuck sometimes.
Donte said he was gonna fix it.
- Where is he?
- Work.
He gets off soon.
- Is he doing okay?
- He's good.
We still argue 24/7,
but he does so much
for me and Rico.
- Tamika, I can
help you with that.
- Glenn, I got it!
(dishes crashing)
Oh, shit!
(door squeaks)
- Big head!
- Uncle Donte!
- Where your mom at?
- Over there.
- Tami, what's he doin' here?
- He was just stoppin' by.
- You got my check, right?
- I'm not here about
the rent, Donte.
I was in the area, I
just wanted to say hello.
- Nah, nah, just
'cause you in the area
don't mean you
welcome over here.
- This is my house.
- Nah, this ain't your house.
This ain't your house, Glenn.
It's mom's house, all
you is is a landlord.
- I'm gonna go.
- Glenn, you just got here!
- Bye.
- Donte, relax!
- I'm gonna send someone
over to fix the faucet.
- I'll fix the faucet, man,
I thought you was leavin'.
Go ahead.
- Bye, Rico.
- What I tell you about
talkin' to strangers?
Go in the kitchen.
(door squeaks)
(keys clicking)
(heels clacking)
(knocks)
- Leaving messages on your
voicemail wasn't working
so I thought what the hell?
I might as well just stop by.
- That's because I
was ignoring them.
- (chuckles) You sure know how
to make a lady feel welcome.
- You don't know how to take
a hint, do you? (chuckles)
- (scoffs) I just want to talk.
- About what?
Everything I had to say, your
cameras have already recorded.
- Let's cut the pleasantries.
I'm here to make you an offer.
- An offer.
- An offer to let the
world hear the voice
of someone who grew
up in a community
that's constantly
getting screwed
by white privilege
and racial inequality.
This story has a chance
to go nationwide.
Imagine your voice behind
it, informing the world
that every little boy from
southeast DC isn't a criminal.
Let the nation know
that we all deserve
an equal opportunity.
- Not interested.
- Okay.
If you change your mind,
then give me a call.
(sighs)
I don't know if you
noticed this or not,
but your interview is
all over the internet.
People respect your opinion.
They admire you for
speaking the truth.
It'd be a shame if you
passed up an opportunity
to speak for your community.
Especially when they
sure as hell seem
like they want you to.
(heels clacking)
(light, somber music)
(buzzer blares)
- How are you holdin' up?
- You promised me I would
never be sitting here again.
- Amy, I'm sorry.
- You promised.
- I,
it's gonna be okay.
- Is it?
You're all over the news.
People are looking at us
funny in the neighborhood.
John and Sarah won't
even call me back.
- I'm gonna get off.
I have to get off,
it was self defense.
- Was it self defense?
You promised.
Talk to your daughter.
- I miss you, Daddy.
- Miss you too, sweetie.
- When are you coming home?
- Soon, baby.
Soon.
- Was he a bad man?
The person you hurt?
- I don't know, baby.
- Come on, baby.
It's time to go.
- I'll do it.
(coy guitar music)
- Good evening,
I'm Naomi Morgan,
and I'm here tonight
with Glenn Johnson
who many of you
may already know.
In the wake of the shooting
of Travis Mitchell,
there has been much
speculation and controversy,
but Mr. Johnson's perspective,
as aired on last
week's broadcast,
struck a chord
with many citizens.
(upbeat, pensive music)
He was Travis's teacher,
and his heated words
caused quite a stir.
The video originally aired
right here on your local news,
found its way onto the
internet and went viral
seemingly overnight.
Thank you for joining
us, Mr. Johnson.
People are saying that
you're giving a voice
to the struggling black
community of Washington, DC,
focusing the collective
frustrations, if you will,
on this senseless killing.
- I wouldn't say I'm the
voice of this community,
I just really think
that it's crucial
that people understand,
especially those who are not
a part of the
effected community,
that they understand the
perspective of our community.
It's common that if a black
person kills a white person
then justice would be swift,
and that that black person
is gonna go straight to jail,
they're gonna pay
with their life.
But if a white person
kills a black person,
their future's debatable.
Half the time,
they are sent free.
Now, how my community is feeling
right now is pretty simple.
We're feeling loss, we're
feeling frustration,
and we're feeling uncertainty.
- So you're saying
that you're hoping
for a swift justice
for the shooter?
- That's not what I'm
saying, what I'm saying is
that I like many other
people in my community
are feeling outraged
and confused
about what happened to Travis.
We have a lot of
energy, a lot of rage,
and we don't know
where to focus it.
But the problem is this,
and that's the danger,
the problem is that we
don't know all the facts,
and it's dangerous for
use to move with outrage
and to direct our rage
without knowing exactly
what actually happened.
And everything that I know,
everything that has been
reported to me to date,
has been based off speculation.
Nobody knows what
actually happened.
Does anybody know what
actually happened that morning?
- As of yet no witness
has come forward
to the crime itself,
but we have uncovered some
evidence which we feel
could shed some light
onto this confusing,
uncertain situation.
It appears that Max Ewart,
who has refused comment
on the situation,
has been found to have
known, direct association
with a white power DC group.
He has been confirmed
as a known member
of a DC Aryan Nation gang
which led to his
arrest 10 years ago
for the assault against
an African American youth.
Were you aware of
that, Mr. Johnson?
- No.
- And does that change
the situation for you?
(sighs)
- I should say it does.
If that man walks free
after killing that poor boy,
I will have lost my faith in
the criminal justice system.
- Jesse
'bout the baby yet?
- I don't think so,
we haven't heard him scream.
Man, he's on a roll today.
He's havin' a baby, he
might have a record deal,
and he's havin' a great hairday.
(TV audience laughs)
- I'm done,
you'll never guess.
- Big Bird.
- You
guys are good at this.
(TV audience laughs)
(glass crashing)
- We know where
you live, cracker!
Go, go!
(tires screeching)
- I guess you can
tell by my face, I'm beaming.
(TV audience laughs)
- And remember,
the number one thing
you've got to do is what?
- Smile.
- Now we've got interviews
lined up for a few of you.
If that's you and
you need to talk
through anything before
you go, I'll be here.
But I know you're gonna
rock these interviews.
This is your time, your
opportunity, so seize it.
And if things aren't
going your way,
remember, there's
no shame in failure,
only shame in not
getting back up.
You guys are dismissed.
(sighs)
You're distracted.
- What?
- It's Terrence, isn't it?
- Yeah.
- Second day he's missed.
- I know.
- Don't give up on him.
Go after him.
(sighs)
- I know he wants this.
I just need to push him harder.
- Then do it!
I can cover for you here.
- Are you sure?
- Of course!
Go already.
- You're the best.
- I know.
(chuckles)
- And modest, too.
- The most modest.
(chuckles)
- I can't come pick
them up right now!
You said you'd take them!
No, I told you I
can't just leave!
Please just stay another,
they helped me get
an interview today!
Please, just another
hour, please!
Dammit!
- Everything okay, Rachel?
- Yes, Mr. Johnson.
Well, not really.
- I know it's stressful,
but you're doing really well.
You're dedicated and it shows.
- It just seems like every time
I try to take control of things,
the world just makes
a point to remind me
of how little control
I actually have.
- You just need to keep in mind
that we're always gonna
face obstacles, okay?
I want you to remember that
it's your attitude that matters,
how you deal with adversity.
Now I know you can
make this work.
I just want you to
do what's necessary.
Sometimes,
sometimes it's hard.
- You're right, Mr. Johnson.
Thanks.
- You bet, Rachel.
(chill, reflective
hip hop music)
* Pretty stressed
out, look strong *
* Enemy song, with
the niece gone, *
* She can be ET home, B-E-T
for we get your green bomb *
* We get get that guap chop,
ease on with the pop shop *
* Double chop in the knees on,
look it here, look at here, *
* See some, but the
diamonds, she needs some *
* Just ask, she takes
style into traffic *
* Stashed in Alantic,
never used to air *
* When I stamp graphics, runnin'
to my dog and he's spastic *
* He's a ghost now, came
back as a manic, frantic *
* Post-9-11 schizophrenic
* I don't give a care, I'm
a bandit, befriend it *
* Lookin' at him like
he's runnin' around *
(knocking)
* I don't give a care,
go pound for pound *
* He about to go away,
put them blow away *
(knocking)
(ashtray tinkles)
(knocking)
- Shit.
Did you come to bust
me for playin' hooky?
- Can I come in?
(door creaks)
- So what?
- I didn't say anything.
- Man, why are you here?
Show me the error of my ways?
I ain't no suit and tie
wearin' motherfucker like you.
- I came because I want
to ask you to come back.
You can't just
give up, Terrence.
I thought that you
said that you were
too good for the Aspire program.
Do you even have a job?
- Man, I got my ass
fired the other day.
- What happened?
- Customer came in late.
Lisa was out back.
I was just trying to be a
team player like you said.
I go out front to
help the customer.
Motherfucker come back in,
see me talkin' to
the white woman.
She like told me
stay in my station.
Like I wasn't fit to be
up front or somethin',
what the fuck is that?
- You lost your temper.
You couldn't just let
that disrespect go?
- Man, I needed that job.
Shit was fucked up, though.
- So what are you gonna do now?
- I dunno.
Maybe I'll go back to the game.
At least I had money.
Not livin' in this
shitty basement apartment
off fast food wages.
- You only have two absences.
You can still come back.
- Maybe some people just ain't
meant to get out the hood.
Like Travis.
It just pulls you back in.
- What do you mean?
- I saw the whole
thing go down, man.
- You?
- Yeah, dog.
I just thought it was
a funny fight at first.
I was filmin' it
with my camera phone.
- You have footage
of the murder.
Did you give it to the police?
- I'm not takin' any
chances with that shit, dog.
I'm not goin' back.
Besides, shit you said on TV
felt good to hear.
I didn't want to help
this cracker get off
after killin' Travis.
I wanted to get the
motherfucker myself.
I knew Travis.
We used to roll together.
We used to hustle.
Me and Travis, Donte
and a few others.
- Donte.
- But Travis, he got out, man.
Started your program,
got himself a real fuckin' job.
(chuckles) Shit.
I couldn't believe
that shit, man.
That's why I started your Aspire
program in the first place.
Tryin' to be like him.
Then I show up, find out
the motherfucker dead.
Nigger get out the hood,
still manages to
get himself killed.
- But you have proof that
this man attacked Travis.
- Travis,
he started it, man.
Take a look for yourself.
I shoulda had his back,
but I just stood there
like a fuckin' dope.
- You didn't upload
this anywhere, did you?
- No, man.
Was thinkin' about deletin' it.
It just makes me so fuckin' mad.
I can barely take it.
- You need to channel
that frustration
into something constructive.
You gotta understand that
the best way to honor Travis
is to finish what you started.
- I don't give a fuck about
that shit anymore, man.
- Then what are you gonna do?
- All I wanna do is get the
motherfucker who shot Travis.
(kids shouting and playing)
- You all
be quiet in the back.
Mrs. Nancy couldn't
watch you guys tonight,
so you're just gonna
have to hang out here.
- Where are you going, Mom?
- I'm gonna get a job.
Wish me luck, okay?
- Okay.
- Be quiet back here,
and I'll be back in no time.
I love you.
(door opening)
- Rachel Robinson?
We'll see you now.
(light, foreboding music)
- (sighs) Yes!
(exhales)
Can't believe it!
Thank God.
(exhales)
(gasps)
Oh my God, what happened?
- Ma'am, are you their mother?
- Yes, yes!
What?
- You are under arrest--
- For what?
- For child endangerment.
- What?
No!
It was only for a few minutes!
I didn't have no sitter!
What was I supposed to do?
Brandon!
Jade!
(buzzer blares)
(somber music)
- Who are you?
- I ask the questions here.
- You're not a cop.
What're you doin' here?
- I want to know why you
killed Travis Mitchell.
- Oh, you think I'm gonna
admit to murder in here.
I shouldn't even
be talking to you.
- You will answer me, though.
- You know, I recognize you.
You're that guy on TV who's
been inciting everybody--
- I'm not inciting anybody,
I'm just being honest.
- Well, your honesty got a brick
thrown through my front window.
Scared my wife and kid.
- I wanna know why
you are so angry
with people that look like me.
- I'm not.
(stammers)
I used to be, but it
was a long time ago,
I was scared and angry,
and I was looking
for someone to blame.
- So then why did you
shoot an unarmed black man
in the middle of the
street in broad daylight?
- I don't know.
It all happened in a flash.
I haven't always had
the best experiences
with people like you.
I have a wife in daughter that
I have to get home to now,
and I can't afford to live
with that hate in my heart.
- Then why keep the tattoos?
- Costs too much to get rid of.
- You know, it would be,
it would be so easy
for everyone
if you went to jail for this.
- I know.
You think I wanted to do it?
He was attacking me.
But your actions have
consequences, too.
You can't go around
amping people up,
making them think that the
system doesn't work for them.
- I am not amping people up.
I am just being honest.
- Well, words have consequences.
Believe me.
I know.
- You're not the person
that I expected to meet.
If I admit
that Travis Mitchell
started that fight with you
then I would be discounting
all the good that kid did,
and all the good
he could have done,
I would be discounting all the
good that I could still do.
- How do you know what happened?
(grave, somber music)
Back off, all right, pal?
Back off before I call the cops.
- Yeah, for what crime?
Waiting for a fucking bus?
- You have to turn
that into evidence.
You need to help me!
- Why?
When doing do only
helps you and hurts me?
I didn't decide to pull
that trigger. You did.
- This isn't right,
you can't do this.
(phone clicks)
You need to help me.
Hey, you need to help me!
Turn that in!
Hey, hey, I need help!
You can't let him go!
Get back here!
Hey!
Get back here!
(recording crackles)
Back off before I call the cops.
- Yeah, for what crime?
Waiting for a fucking bus?
- Fuck you.
(struggling)
(gun fires)
Back off before I call the cops.
- Yeah, for what crime?
Waiting for a fucking bus?
- Fuck you.
(struggling)
(gun fires)
- All right, pal.
Back off before I call the cops.
- Yeah, for what crime?
Waiting for a fucking bus?
- Fuck you.
(struggling)
(knocking)
- Gina.
What's the matter?
- What's the matter?
Glenn, are you serious?
- Oh, shit.
I'm sorry, I'm sorry,
I totally forgot.
- No one stands me up.
So get your jacket.
You're taking me out
whether you like it or not.
- Okay.
Uh, Chinese place
down the street.
I'm buying.
- You bet your ass you're
buying, I'm starvin'.
So are you gonna tell me
what's been going on with you?
- What do you mean?
- Come on, you've been
completely distracted lately.
I mean, you completely
forgot about dinner tonight.
- Yeah.
Yeah, uh,
I know.
Things have been very strange.
- (scoffs) That's
all I'm gonna get?
Strange?
- Gina,
you can't tell anybody
what I'm about to tell you.
Not until I decide
what I'm gonna do.
- What is it?
- Terrence
was a witness to the murder.
He saw the whole thing.
- Terrence?
Has he told the police?
- The only one he told was me.
- What he say?
- That he's not gonna
tell the police.
I can't blame him, Gina.
It's no secret that Terrence
hasn't had exactly the best
experiences with police.
- That's it?
- That's it.
- You're not a detective, Glenn.
If Terrence told you something
about witnessing that shooting
then you have a responsibility
to tell the police.
What did he tell you?
- He didn't just
witness it, Gina.
He recorded it.
And I forwarded it to my phone.
- You have the video?
Glenn, you have to
tell the police.
- I can't give it
to the police, Gina.
Travis started it.
If that gets out, the
shooter, he could walk.
Think about Travis's mother.
Think about our program.
If this video gets out,
Gina, then we could lose
half of our entire network.
We could just kiss it goodbye.
- Show it to me.
- I'm not gonna show it to you.
Not until I figure out
what I'm gonna do with it.
(scoffs)
Gina, what do you think?
Do you think that that this
guy, this murderer, sure,
do you think he
deserves to get off?
Do you think he deserves
to get let go? Huh?
People are going to
begin to associate
the Aspire program with
employing criminals.
Do you want that?
- So what?
You make sure this
guy goes to jail
and then you become some
kind of black justice hero?
- That's not it.
People deserve at least
a little bit of justice.
And I intend to give it to them.
- If you're gonna be the
voice of a community,
you have to be
careful what you say.
And how you say it.
- Don't give me
that bullshit, Gina!
What do you think this is, huh?
If you think this is how
the real world works,
you need to open up
your fucking eyes!
Nobody else plays by the rules.
So why should I?
(scoffs)
(somber, discordant music)
(knocking)
Mrs. Ewart.
My name is--
- I know who you are.
What do you want?
- I'd like to talk to
you about your husband.
- He is not who you think he is.
- That's why I'd
like to talk to you.
- He's not a racist anymore.
- I find that hard to believe,
especially after
learning about his past.
- People change.
Never had anything from
your past remind you
of the person you've become?
- Yes.
- Then you understand
those same experiences
can also haunt you forever.
I'm not saying my
husband's perfect,
but he is no racist,
and he is definitely
not a killer.
- You see, you have to
understand, Mrs. Ewart,
this community has lost
a lot of young people
to violence and the
criminal justice system,
and I don't expect your husband
or people like him
to understand that.
- You mean white people.
Let me tell you
about your community.
I have a six year old daughter.
The other night while
we were watching TV,
members of your community threw
a brick through my window.
With Max in jail, I have
to protect us myself.
Me.
I'm scared, and I can't even
turn to my neighbors for help.
My husband is facing first
degree murder charges.
My daughter is gonna grow
up without her father.
And after all of that,
your community still
has no sympathy.
I don't know what
you want from me,
but I have nothing left to give.
- Mommy, what's going on?
- Mila, honey.
- Who's that, Mommy?
- This is Glenn.
He's here to talk
about your father.
- Is he going to help him?
- I'll do what I can.
But I've gotta go now, so, uh,
thank you very much
for the information.
(somber, pensive music)
- Fuck.
Hey, look at me.
Hey, look at me, cracker.
- Back off.
- I ain't out here
flashin' no gang signs,
I ain't got on no
baggy ass pants.
I'm just tryin' to
get to my fuckin' job,
and you don't even know how hard
I had to work just to get that!
- Look, just back
off, all right, pal?
Back off before I call the cops.
- Yeah, for what crime?
Waiting for a fucking bus?
- Fuck you.
(struggling)
(gun fires)
- Okay.
Jessi Davis.
Hi, come with me.
All right then, Jessi.
Go ahead and tell me a
little bit about yourself
and your work experience.
- Um, well,
I don't have any
experience in this field,
but I have two years
data entry experience,
and I used to babysit a lot,
which was a ton
of responsibility.
- Mm-hmm.
- And I've been going to the
Aspire program for a while now,
and I really think
I've learned a lot.
- But no real experience
with what we do here.
- Well, no.
- Okay, well,
is there anything
else you want to add
or tell us to
supplement your resume?
- No.
Actually, yes.
I know I don't have
the job experience,
or a diploma from some
fancy private school,
and I know this dress
isn't anything special,
but it's mine, and
what I have is special.
So you can just write me
off like everyone else,
insult me, or look down on me,
but mister, I don't give a shit.
That is your fault,
and not mine.
If you don't want to give
me a chance, then whatever,
because I'm gonna
keep gettin' up,
and keep trying until I
find someone who will.
You do not get to
control my future.
- All right, then.
So when can you start?
- Today!
(compassionate, hopeful music)
(door creaks)
- Hey.
- Hey yourself.
- Saw on the news Max
got released on bail.
Something about new
evidence coming to light?
- Maybe he just
got a lucky break.
- I'm proud of you.
You did the right thing.
So I guess that means
I'm out of the doghouse?
- You got some groveling to do.
(phone buzzes)
- Hello?
Tamika.
Hold on.
Calm down.
Hold on.
Tamika.
All right, I'll be right
over, I'll be right over.
Just--
(uneasy music)
That was my sister.
- Your sister?
She never calls you.
- Exactly.
Tami!
Tami, Donte!
Tamika! Donte!
Tamika!
Donte!
- Glenn! Thank God!
- What is it?
- Have you seen Donte?
- No, I just got here.
- Glenn, you gotta find him!
He went over to
some guy's house,
I think he's gonna do
something to that white boy.
- Did you try his cell phone?
- It's off!
Glenn, please, you
gotta find him!
- Listen, you stay
here, all right?
I'll find him.
(worrying, foreboding music)
- Come on out
here, motherfucker.
Get your nigger-hating
cracker ass out here right now
before we have to break that
motherfucking door down!
Son, we will come in
there and do your ass
in front of your
motherfucking wife.
I don't give a fuck!
(tense music)
- I've called the cops.
- Gonna be a long ass
time before they get here.
- What do you want?
- I want Travis Mitchell back.
So what you gon' do?
- It was self defense.
- Man, fuck out of my
face with that bullshit.
Just like any old
hatin' ass white man.
Think you can just kill
any old nigger you want,
call that shit self defense.
- I'm sorry.
- Don't apologize
to me, motherfucker,
apologize to Travis.
Your ass gon' see him again.
- Yeah, well, if
you're gonna kill me,
go ahead and fuckin' do it!
- Right now, baby, come on!
- Stop!
Stop! What're you doing?
- What the
fuck're you doin' here?
- What brought you to this?
Just because I said
some things on TV?
- You lied to me.
You made it seem like
we was fightin' a war,
but you betrayed us.
You let this man
get away with this.
- All right.
Fine.
Okay, you think just
because you had a hard life
that you are entitled
to some street justice.
- Man, this ain't got
shit to do with that.
This man is proof that our
lives don't mean worth a damn!
- You was poppin'
all that good shit
about justice a few
days go, brother, on TV!
Was that all just bullshit?
- That racist fuck clubbed
Travis in cold blood.
- You said it yourself,
it's fuckin' war.
Now it's our turn
to strike back.
- Yes, it is a war in your mind,
not on the street!
I'm askin' you, you
are better than this!
You think that you are the
only nigga on planet earth
ever been knocked down, huh?
And you think that
you are the only nigga
that ever been
pushed to the ground?
Is that what this is?
Look at you.
Each of you.
You're gonna get used.
You're gonna get betrayed.
You're gonna get spit on,
you're gonna get knocked down,
and what I'm asking you,
what I am pleading with you,
is that if you just please
harness the will to get back up!
- Man, fuck you!
That's all I ever get from
you is this long-winded
preachy ass bullshit!
You don't know what the
fuck it's like, man!
Fuck off!
- Terrence, I'm
asking you, please,
do not repeat the cycle.
- He already told you
to get lost, Glenn.
- Donte--
- What the fuck're
you doin' protecting
this old white boy anyway?
Huh?
Can there ever be
one fuckin' time
when you just stand beside
your own God damn brother?
Every fuckin' time
you always gotta think
that you better than
me or some shit!
Like I'm the fuck up!
But I'm the only
fuckin' one at home!
I'm the only fuckin'
one at home, Glenn,
takin' care of our family!
Now you wanna come outta nowhere
and choose this white
cracker over me?
Get the fuck outta my face!
(grunting)
(coughing)
(grunting)
(police siren wails)
- In the wake
of last week's shooting,
things have yet to settle
down in southeast DC,
after the introduction of some
very revealing new evidence,
shooting suspect Max Ewart
was released on bail yesterday
only to be met with violence
at his own home late last night.
Officials fear this is
yet another instance
of gang related violence.
Now onto breaking news.
More explosions have
been recorded in Israel.
Darfur respondent...
(uncertain, ambient music)
- Oh my God, what happened?
- It's okay.
It's all right.
- Where're my babies?
- I had to call in a few favors,
but I found someone
to watch them.
- Who?
- Jessi.
(chuckling)
You'd be surprised how
good she is with kids.
- I'm sorry, Mr. Johnson.
It was awful.
I really messed up.
- We all mess up.
We can't win them all.
But
we can get back up.
(sobbing)
(bittersweet music)
(soft, bittersweet music)