By Edwin Freeman
Photos: Edwin Freeman
This Black History Month, I encourage my fellow brothers and sisters to watch my powerful and timely documentary “Modern Day Slavery.” As a critically acclaimed film producer and director, I created this film to examine the disturbing parallels between America’s history of chattel slavery and the racial inequities that still plague our criminal justice system today.
Despite making up only 13% of the U.S. population, African Americans account for 33% of the prison population. Black Americans are incarcerated at more than 5 times the rate of whites. These shameful statistics are evidence of how the oppressive chains of slavery have simply taken a new form in the era of mass incarceration.
Through compelling first-hand interviews, “Modern Day Slavery” gives a voice to those impacted by systemic racism and injustice. The film raises awareness around modern slavery and trafficking, showing how the legacy of slavery continues to fuel racial disparities.
Now more than ever, it is critical that we honor Black history by bearing witness to these ongoing struggles for liberation. The lessons of our past must inform the just future we seek to build. Films like “Modern Day Slavery” teach, inspire and galvanize us towards action.
This Black History Month, I encourage you to watch this eye-opening documentary on YouTube and share it with your networks. But let us not restrict our learning to one month out of the year. These issues demand our attention all year round. By continually educating ourselves and spreading awareness, we take one step closer to the equality and justice that our ancestors fought for.
