James Austen, a 27-year-old Black filmmaker based in Los Angeles, remembers the gut-punch moment he learned about George Floyd’s killing in 2020. 🎬 'Black men being killed by police is somewhat normal in this country,' he tells NewspaperAmigo.com. 'But the protests? That was new.'
A Lifetime of Inequality
Austen grew up navigating systemic racism—from unfair policing to microaggressions. 'You learn to expect it, but it never stops hurting,' he says. When Floyd’s death sparked global demonstrations, Austen felt a mix of hope and frustration. 'We’d seen this story before. But this time… people listened.' 🌍
The Power of Outrage
For Austen, the protests weren’t just about Floyd. They were a breaking point. 'Social media amplified voices that had been silenced for generations,' he explains. Youth-led movements like #BlackLivesMatter turned local pain into a global rallying cry. 📱💥 'Suddenly, everyone was talking about defunding the police, systemic change… It wasn’t just Black folks in the room anymore.'
What Comes Next?
Three years later, Austen remains cautiously optimistic. 'Progress is slow, but the conversation hasn’t died,' he says. His latest documentary dives into how Gen Z activists are rewriting the script on racial justice. 🎞️ 'Silence isn’t an option anymore. That’s the lesson here.'
