Who We Are: A Chronicle of Racism in America

Who We Are: A Chronicle of Racism in America, released in 2021, is a daring and thought-provoking documentary that encourages a deeper delve into the realms of historical racial injustices and systemic racism rooted deeply in the storied past of the United States. The film resonates with the current activist season, seeking to expose ingrained prejudices and socio-political constructs that have perpetuated racial discrimination for centuries.

The poignant and powerful documentary boasts a moving performance from an array of individuals, including Josephine Bolling McCall, Gwen Carr, Tiffany Crutcher, each bringing a unique perspective on racial profiling, injustices, and systemic oppression. Their personal stories add depth and empathy to the ongoing conversation regarding race in America.

Bolling McCall, the surviving daughter of lynching victim Elmore Bolling, sheds light on a past cloaked in racial violence and injustice. Carr, the mother of Eric Garner, skillfully conveys the importance of the 'Black Lives Matter' movement, and the impact and importance of her son's legacy. Similarly, Crutcher advocates for systemic change following the shooting of her twin-brother Terence Crutcher by a police officer.

The narrative of Who We Are: A Chronicle of Racism in America is driven by Jeffrey Robinson, ACLU's Deputy Legal Director. With a career spanning over three decades, Robinson forges a link between the dark era of slavery, present-day racial inequities, and the criminal justice system with an enlightening and, at times, disheartening look into historical context and precedent.

The documentary is structured around Robinson's powerful lecture, delivered on Juneteenth (June 19) 2018 in New York, which commemorates the emancipation of enslaved African Americans. Combining archival footage, animation, and personal interviews – with Robinson's lecture as the cornerstone – this film enlightens and challenges its viewers to reevaluate their understanding of race and justice in the United States.

Directors Emily and Sarah Kunstler, daughters of the late civil rights attorney William Kunstler, have skillfully weaved together the threads of personal narratives, historical documentation, and current events to present a vivid portrayal of the African-American experience. Their use of mixed media helps in narrating this multi-faceted story, making it not just an exploration of America's deeply entrenched racial history but also an examination of its present.

The film does not shy away from the horrors of the past, recounting tales of slavery, lynching, and racially motivated murders. Yet, the directors maintain a delicate balance between presenting the harsh realities while maintaining the focus on the future and the changes that are needed in the American socio-political landscape.

Who We Are: A Chronicle of Racism in America pushes its audience to think critically about the themes of systemic racism, injustice, and white privilege. Robinson’s wealth of knowledge provides a comprehensive understanding of the racial disparity in the United States, which is intended to educate audiences on the historical context of present racial relations.

Robinson’s work, highlighted and illuminated by the film, is essential in the modern era of America where the decades-long struggle with racial inequality, police brutality, and social injustice is approaching a critical breaking point. It brings out deeply embedded issues within legal, education, and social structures.

The tale this film weaves is much more than a stroll down the shadowy alley of America's past—it is an invitation to acknowledge the truths that have been overlooked, ignored, or suppressed. It directs towards a road of recognition, understanding, and acceptance, setting a premise for a constructive dialogue about racism and justice.

In conclusion, Who We Are: A Chronicle of Racism in America is an outspoken and necessary film that confronts viewers with the uncomfortable truths of gravity and extent of systemic racism in the United States. Some may find the documentary heavy, but it is also enlightening, engaging, and undeniably crucial. A must-watch for individuals seeking to broaden their knowledge and perspective on the racial history of America, the film incites discourse on uncomfortable topics, underscoring the importance of this dialogue in our journey towards a fair and equitable society. The power of the film lies not just in its narrative, but also in its capacity to provoke reflection - to question who we have been, who we are, and importantly, who we can become.