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The Look

A story about bias in America.

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Chapter 2.

EDUCATION

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UNCONSCIOUS BIAS–OR IMPLICIT BIAS–IS A LATENT STEREOTYPE OR UNSUPPORTED JUDGMENT AGAINST A CERTAIN GROUP OF PEOPLE.

Everyday

We made THE LOOK to share what it's like to be Black in America today.

Historical events inspired the moments in the film. Unfortunately, many of these moments are still happening.

Our goal is not to shame or blame, but spark a dialogue. And inspire people to help us build a world where films like this are no longer needed.

What's it like to be Black in America today?

Let's start by looking back, so we can all move forward.

Chapter 1.

UNCONSCIOUS BIAS

Chapter 3.

DINING

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Little Rock, Arkansas

Then: Little Rock Nine

Nine new students enrolled in Little Rock Central. The first African Americans to register at an all-white high school after Brown vs. Board of Education – the Supreme Court decision that declared segregation in public education unconstitutional.

On their first day of class, the students met an onslaught of angry protesters. And racial slurs. Flying rocks. And death threats.

When the nine brave teens finally reached the school, they couldn't get through the door. 270 armed Arkansas National Guard troops stood in their way.

All Across America

NOW: The Educational Divide

Public schools have been integrated for 65 years, but inequality remains.

In 2011-12, only 57% of African American students had access to the science and math courses needed for college readiness.

Today, African American students are more often in school districts with less experienced, lower-paid and less-qualified teachers.

And schools with a student body over 90% white have $733 more per child than schools that have 90% or more students of color.

Chapter 2.

EDUCATION

Chapter 4.

SHUT OUT

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Greensboro, North Carolina

Then: The Lunch Counter

Four college freshmen entered the F.W. Woolworth department store. After buying a few items, they sat at the lunch counter for a cup of coffee and were promptly asked to leave. “Whites only.”

The young men returned the next day, with 25 fellow students. Again, they ordered from the counter. Again, they were asked to leave. “Whites only.”

The students were heckled by white patrons. Cursed by local authorities. And when the New York-based chain was asked for a statement, the representative said company employees were to "abide by local custom".

Whites only.

Philadelphia, Pennsylvania

NOW: The Coffee Shop

Donte Robinson and Rashon Nelson entered a famous coffee chain. One of the men asked to use the bathroom. After hearing the facilities were for "paying customers only" the two sat down at a table and waited for their appointment to arrive. They didn't raise a fuss.
They just sat.

The manager called the police anyway.
And the two were arrested.
And were removed.
In handcuffs.

Chapter 3.

DINING

Chapter 5.

POOLS

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Tulsa, Oklahoma

THEN: The Black Wall Street Massacre

They called it Black Wall Street. A thriving African American neighborhood where people worked hard. Went to school. And built businesses. The main strip was lined with law offices. Cafés. Movie theaters. Even a luxury hotel. The Greenwood district of Tulsa was the embodied of the American dream.

But whites in the area felt uneasy about the growing black wealth. And when an African American teen was accused of assault, a lynch mob formed.

In the days that followed, 191 Black businesses were firebombed. 1625 homes, churches and hospitals were destroyed.

And over 250 African Americans lost their lives.

All Across America

Now: Limitations

Days of firebombing black-owned homes and businesses are largely behind us. But systemic bias still keeps people of color from realizing true equality.

People of color are far more likely to be turned down for business loans.

Hiring discrimination against African Americans hasn't improved in the last 25 years.

And the gap in homeownership between whites and African Americans is now even wider than during the Jim Crow era.

Chapter 4.

SHUT OUT

Chapter 6.

SHOPPING

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St. Augustine, Florida

Then: Acid Attack

A white hotel owner in Florida didn't like young protesters swimming in his pool. They were holding a swim in. Challenging the establishment's "Whites Only" policy.

The owner stared them down. Shouted epithets. And when his shouts and stares didn't get the desired effect, he grabbed hydrochloric acid and poured it around the swimmers.

It was a horrifying scene.

The likes we never thought we'd see again.

McKinney, Texas

Now: Excessive Force

15-year-old Dajerria Becton attended a pool party with a large group of friends. The party grew exceedingly large. Police showed up and demanded that everyone leave.

When the kids didn't move fast enough, a white male officer grabbed Dajerria by the hair. Friends pleaded with him to stop. The officer drew his gun, waved it around, then slammed Dajerria's face to the ground.

15-year-old Dejarria cried out for her mother.

Chapter 5.

POOLS

Chapter 7.

RESOURCES

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The American South

Then: Back of the Line

The Jim Crow era robbed millions of their political rights. But also their consumer rights. And basic human dignity.

In stores, whites were always served first. Misshapen caricatures of African Americans often advertised the products. And souvenir postcards could be found on the counter celebrating local lynchings.

You always knew where you stood while shopping in the Jim Crow south.

Someone was always watching.

Los Angeles, California

NOW: "Serena"

Workers at high-end L.A. retailer, Moschino, had a code name for African American shoppers: "Serena". An intentionally ironic reference to the world-famous tennis star.

According to the lawsuit, any African American who wasn't a celebrity, or showing obvious displays of wealth were to be "closely watched" and earn the cutting moniker.

Chapter 6.

SHOPPING

RESOURCES

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College Park, Maryland

Then: Rejection Letter

Amherst University graduate Donald Gaines Murray attempted to enroll in the University of Maryland Law School.
He was smart. He was driven. He was denied.

The rejection letter stated, "The University of Maryland does not admit Negro students and your application is accordingly rejected."[2]

The letter went on to encourage Donald to apply elsewhere. Someplace separate.
But equal.

All Across America

Now: Lacking Representation

A poll conducted by Harvard's Institute of Politics found only half of 18 - 29 year-olds believed our justice system was able to operate without racial or ethnic bias. And 66% of African Americans polled said they have little or no confidence in a non-prejudicial outcome.

State courts handle more than 95% of America's court cases. And though white men make up less than 33% of the US population, they represent 58% of state court judges. African Americans represent only 12%.

Of the 48 Federal appellate nominations since 2017, not one is African American.

Chapter 7.

JUSTICE?

RESOURCES

In an effort to foster empathy for a variety of individual experiences and create forums where multiple perspectives can be shared, "The Look” Conversation Guide is one resource available to help raise awareness, spark conversation and enable changes in hearts and minds. We recognize and respect the many different views on the topic and welcome constructive and respectful dialogue. Start a Conversation with Others Today. #TalkAboutBias.