Marking 400 years since enslaved Africans arrived in Jamestown, BLACK BOYS seeks to illuminate the full spectrum of Black male humanity in America through an intimate, inter-generational conversation at the intersection of sports, education and criminal justice. With Executive Producer Malcolm Jenkins, BLACK BOYS elevates an urgent and timely conversation on identity, opportunity and equity.
“They don’t need saviors. They need believers.”
Peacock’s upcoming is a documentary film celebrating the full humanity of Black men and boys in America. Utilizing conversations and stories it reveals the emotional landscape of those experiencing racism and invites us to reimagine an America in which these boys experience true belonging and unlimited possibilities. A film for this historic moment, in a nation, still struggling to rectify its racist legacy, it serves as a rare glimpse into the emotional landscape of Black men and boys, illuminating their tenderness, vulnerability, joy, and resilience.
The documentary features interviews with activist and rapper Vic Mensa, NBA All-Star Carmelo Anthony, two-time Super Bowl champion Greg Scruggs, NFL Hall of Fame inductee Cris Carter, Super Bowl champion Chris Long, award-winning sports journalist Jemele Hill, poet/activist Malcolm London, and former U.S. Secretary of Education, Dr. John King Jr.
The Koalition spoke with director Sonia Lowman (writer and director of TEACH US ALL) and Executive Producer Howard Bryant about the Black experience, racism, creating this documentary and more.
“As part of the Never Whisper Justice production model, each feature length film is accompanied by action steps for social change, something Malcolm Jenkins embraces through his foundation and the many activities in multiple communities with the Players Coalition,” said Lowman.
“Partnering with Malcolm not only made sense from a film production side, but more importantly, because of his social justice and racial equality work through the Players Coalition.” says Sonia. “Whether it’s criminal justice reform or police and community relations, Malcolm is putting in the work while catalyzing fellow players to join him with collective purpose. Action based advocacy with sustainable outcomes is exactly what we believe in and will continue to amplify through our work at Never Whisper Justice.”“We need this film at this time, and we need the change that it desires,” Lowman continued.
Check out our interview in the video above.
BLACK BOYS premieres on Peacock on September 10th.
