Crown Heights

Jac'Queis Gooch
Aug 25, 2017 · 3 min read

On August 22, 2017 on the campus of Morehouse College I got the chance to view the new independent film Crown Heights. It displays numerous injustices within law enforcement and the judicial system taken upon those who don’t have the financial means or resources to defend themselves. These injustices are applied to African Americans, other minorities and immigrants by those we consciously or unconsciously let rule our legal system. It is sadder that some people don’t belong in jail or prison in the first place but are there for a multitude of different reasons. Either they were represented poorly, not at all or because of racism.

Following the screening of the movie there was a panel discussion that included Ilham Askia co-founder of Gideon’s Promise, Pastor Omar Jahwar founder of Urban Specialists, Winfield Murry the Director of Moot Court at Morehouse College, Colin Warner who the film is based on along with his wife Antoinette. Something to take away from the discussion was that citizens should be more involved in our lawmaking process and execution of the law on not just the national level but the state and local levels as well. Citizen’s need to be more knowledgeable about state and local legislation and the people that are in office because it doesn’t start at the national level.

The wrongful imprisonment of people happens because of a number of reasons but what I heard most was the lack of people in their corner. For someone to be able to say they was not even their they told me they were going to be here for x to y time then someone being able to vouch that they were there or a parent or lawyer present to prevent an officer from badgering answers they want out of a witness. This can really make a difference in the person that committed the crime going to prison or an innocent man or woman doing time. We all must assume more responsibility in our role in the system of law set up. We must advocate for those who have been accused of crimes because once the verdict is announced guilty or not that is what they will believe. Then at that point your word means no more than dirt.

Mrs. Warner mentioned, “You’re at a university not for higher education but higher consciousness”. Going through college I have felt this elevation of consciousness. Screening this film at a HBCU so that college students can view the injustice of the system adds to that higher consciousness she was talking about. I encourage everyone to see this film, not just to be ok I saw it. Instead, be an active viewer to understand and connect with the story that still rings true today. Remember we live in a democracy to get things changed we have to come together and vote for the change we want to see. If we can’t do that we will continue to see the injustice shown in Crown Heights. One last thing, make sure you bring up discussions among yourselves because this problem is long overdue for a solution.

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