'Just Mercy' Available For Free To Educate People On Systemic Racism

In the wake of George Floyd's murder, Warner Bros. has made its recent film Just Mercy available to rent for free to serve as an educational tool on "the systemic racism that plagues our society."

The Destin Daniel Cretton-directed real-life legal drama, which was released in December, follows the life of human rights lawyer and social activist Bryan Stevenson (played by Michael B. Jordan) as he defends Walter McMillian (played by Jamie Foxx), a wrongfully convicted Alabama man who was sentenced to death in 1988 for the murder of an 18-year-old white woman.

"We believe in the power of story," Warner Bros. said in a statement. "#JustMercy is one resource we can offer to those who are interested in learning more about the systemic racism that plagues our society. For the month of June, #JustMercy will be available to rent for free on digital platforms in the US."

The statement continued, "To actively be part of the change our country is so desperately seeking, we encourage you to learn more about our past and the countless injustices that have led us to where we are today. Thank you to the artists, storytellers and advocates who helped make this film happen. Watch with your family, friends and allies. For further information on Bryant Stevenson and is work at the Equal Justice Initiative please visit EJI.org."

In 1988, McMillan was found guilty of murder despite six black witnesses testifying that he was at a fish fry at the time of the murder. After serving years in jail for a crime he did not commit, it was found that the prosecution’s star witness had lied about McMillian on the stand and his conviction was overturned in 1993, and he was cleared of all charges.

McMillian died in 2013.

Photo: Getty Images


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