New Black Film: American Violet

Police drug raids in low-income communities across the country, often sweep up innocent people in the process. Once in the system it can become nearly impossible for these people to prove their innocence. They lose their freedom, their families are broken, and the true story is rarely told.

'American Violet' is a new award-winning film that can help shine a light on this problem, as the film tells an amazing story about a young single mother that was swept up in an unjust and out-of-control drug raid, which targeted a black community in a small town in Texas. 

Based on true events the film examines how our country's drug laws and enforcement practices, purposely target African Americans in which the justice system uses threats and intimidation to steer the vulnerable towards guilty pleas regardless of their innocence and evidence.

The film is inspired by the real life story of Regina Kelly, an African-American single mother of four girls, who was arrested in the year 2000 during a military-style drug raid. 

The raid resulted in the arrest of nearly 15 percent of the towns young black male population regarding felony cocaine distribution. Ms. Kelly was innocent however her name along with the names of many others that were arrested (nearly all African American), were given to police by a single highly unreliable informant with personal reasons to antagonize her.

Despite Kelly's innocence, she was coerced into pleading guilty by her family and her public defender as a way to receive a minimal sentence, and still be with her young children. 

A felony conviction however would have resulted in the loss of her right to vote, and the public assistance programs in which her family depended upon, not to mention the tainting of her character and the ability to not obtain employment. Ms Kelly stood strong and maintained her plea of not guilty.

Support this movie if you wish to see Ms. Kelly's outcome. 

2009 LA