An Open Letter from KPJR Films
Director James Redford – June 5, 2020
As KPJR Films enters its second decade of endeavoring to make films that serve as tools for societal repair, recent events underscore just how much work remains. From the outset, America’s economy rose on evils of slavery and indigenous genocide. Tragically, systematic racism and oppression of people of color has been with us ever since. Nowhere is this more evident than the scourge of police brutality aimed at communities of color. In this digital age, Americans can no longer avoid or ignore the lawless savagery these communities have endured – and continue to endure – at the hands of corrupt law enforcement.
In the aftermath of the brutal murder of George Floyd, many of our cities and towns have risen up in protest. In the weeks and months to come, it falls on all of us to sustain our determination to support change. KPJR Film stands in solidarity with African Americans who have been oppressed and violated for generations, but it is not enough to simply stand. We have an obligation to the African American community to do what we can as storytellers to support systemic change beyond the current moment of activism.
As producers of two films that explore the health hazards of unmitigated trauma, it’s impossible for us to ignore the fact that racial trauma and oppression takes a heavy physical and psychological toll on our African American citizens. Racism is associated with a host of psychological consequences, including depression, anxiety and other serious, sometimes debilitating conditions, including post-traumatic stress disorder and substance use disorders. Moreover, the stress caused by racism can contribute to the development of illnesses such as high blood pressure, diabetes, and cancer.
We are keenly aware that KPJR Films is but a small storytelling entity. However, we truly believe that if we all do what we can to strive for a better world, we can make a difference. As creators of evidence-based social-impact media, we have witnessed how the right information and resources can help communities seeking to create positive social change. Therefore, we want to share easy access to an assortment of educational and informational resources that can help explain and amplify the damaging impact of police violence, systemic racism and generational trauma.
As we stand in support of Black America, we sincerely hope these resources will be helpful to those who have made the repair of our social fabric their lives’ work and for the healing of our larger community.
– In solidarity & allyship –
“We call for an END to the systemic racism that allows this culture of corruption to go unchecked and our lives to be taken. We call for radical, sustainable solutions that affirms the prosperity of Black lives throughout America. See the demands. Sign the petition.” – Black Lives Matter Movement
Sign The PetitionIn agreement with the American Psychological Association: “We are living in a racism pandemic, which is taking a heavy psychological toll on our African American citizens. The health consequences are dire. Racism is associated with a host of psychological consequences, including depression, anxiety and other serious, sometimes debilitating conditions.”
See StatementsListening. Standing. Learning. Amplifying. We see you. We are with you. Become trauma-informed and educate yourself, family, friends, colleagues, and community with helpful information on Adverse Childhood Experiences, intergenerational trauma, and resilience-building.
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