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Yusuf Hawkins: Storm Over Brooklyn

Play trailer Poster for Yusuf Hawkins: Storm Over Brooklyn 2020 1h 40m Documentary Play Trailer Watchlist
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86% Tomatometer 14 Reviews 71% Popcornmeter Fewer than 50 Ratings
Racial tensions come to a boil when an angry mob murders Black teenager Yusuf Hawkins in Brooklyn, N.Y., on Aug. 23, 1989. The aftermath of Hawkins' death leads to a social movement as his family and community protesters demand justice.
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Yusuf Hawkins: Storm Over Brooklyn

Yusuf Hawkins: Storm Over Brooklyn

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Critics Consensus

Storm Over Brooklyn's limited scope may disappoint viewers seeking a comprehensive examination of racial inequity in New York City circa 1989, but this poignant documentary does justice to the memory of Yusuf Hawkins the person.

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Critics Reviews

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Ty Burr Boston Globe It's the gulf between what people said then and now that resonates throughout this documentary, and the blind spots that continue today. Rated: 3.5/4 Aug 17, 2020 Full Review Tambay Obenson indieWire [It] likely won't teach much new to those already familiar with his story... But even for the initiated, it could contribute to ongoing discussions on how to dismantle the American racial divide that is deeply entrenched in our national psyche. Rated: B Aug 14, 2020 Full Review Melanie McFarland Salon.com Voices past and present give Storm Over Brooklyn a piercing relevance in the here and now, whether by what they're saying or what they represent. Aug 13, 2020 Full Review Carla Hay Culture Mix Yusuf Hawkins: Storm Over Brooklyn could have been a very one-sided documentary, but it took the responsible approach of including diverse viewpoints. Aug 23, 2020 Full Review Jordan Calhoun Black Nerd Problems These different perspectives paint a vivid picture of the Brooklyn of 30 years ago, not very different from the Brooklyn of today. Aug 21, 2020 Full Review Rosalynn Try-Hane Liquid Marmalade Yusuf Hawkins - Storm Over Brooklyn is an emotional and sensitive examination of racial tensions, grief and political point scoring that is ever present today. Aug 20, 2020 Full Review Read all reviews

Audience Reviews

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john m 2020 and these types of things are as alive in society as ever. I never really knew the story on Yusuf, just had heard vaguely about it and knew about Al Sharpton's involvement in the riots and marching. So I'm glad I watched this because it is an extremely well told and emotionally heavy account with just as much relevance today. Rated 4.5 out of 5 stars 03/31/23 Full Review Read all reviews
Yusuf Hawkins: Storm Over Brooklyn

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Cast & Crew

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Movie Info

Synopsis Racial tensions come to a boil when an angry mob murders Black teenager Yusuf Hawkins in Brooklyn, N.Y., on Aug. 23, 1989. The aftermath of Hawkins' death leads to a social movement as his family and community protesters demand justice.
Director
Muta'Ali Muhammad
Producer
Victorious DeCosta, Jevon Frank, Alexandra Moss
Production Co
HBO Documentary Films, Lightbox
Genre
Documentary
Original Language
English
Release Date (Streaming)
Aug 13, 2020
Runtime
1h 40m
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