Luke’s Black Lives Matter Poem is a recitation of poetry about the impact racial bias and injustice have on Black and mixed-race people.
In the short film, writer and director Luke Azille uses prose poetry to confront the racial bias presented through micro-aggressions and macro-aggressions in society. In this medium, he asks “Why?” after reciting an instance where one was judged only by the color of their skin. “Why” are people being judged by their skin? “Why” are people prejudiced? “Why” is systemic racism still plaguing society?
UK youth Luke Azille originally wrote the poem when he was in school. In my opinion, poetry and spoken word is a form of activism. It speaks the truth when others do not want to hear it. By adapting his poem from a written medium to a visual and audio medium, Luke has brought the truth he wrote about to a wider audience. Viewers will take away the beauty of his poetry and the reality of the society BIPOC (Black Indigenous People of Color) live in. They will be moved by what he has faced, by what many across the globe face on a daily basis.
I would give this film a 4 out of 5 stars. I think the issues it highlights are not unique to the UK or the US. The poem itself is a reflection of the sad reality for many BIPOC around the world. Racism, in all of its forms, is a global issue. From micro-aggressions to macro-aggressions, systems of racial injustice continue to permeate society. Luke’s poem is also a reminder that the next generation of activism is here and they are ready to continue the work for racial equity and justice.
Briana Briscoe is a graduate of the University of Maryland, with a B.A. in English and an emphasis in Media Studies. She has a background in community service, marketing, and journalism. She is currently located in Atlanta, pursuing her career in the Media and Entertainment industry.
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