Yusuf Hawkins: Storm Over Brooklyn (HBO)

About Yusuf Hawkins: Storm Over Brooklyn

Yusuf Hawkins: Storm Over Brooklyn is a powerful HBO documentary, directed by Muta'Ali Muhammad, released in 2020. The film recounts the devastating events surrounding the murder of 16-year-old Yusuf Hawkins, a Black teenager who was shot in the Bensonhurst neighborhood of Brooklyn, New York in 1989. The racial incident compelled racial tension in New York City and shed a national spotlight on racial issues in America. The documentary provides an in-depth look into the personal story of Yusuf Hawkins, the consequential events after his death including protests and political implications, and its enduring influence on racial relations in America.

Making / Production

The documentary is directed by Muta'Ali Muhammad and produced by the HBO network. The production offers a deep-dive into the alarming racial tension that existed during the time, making use of archival footage and interviews with Hawkins' family and friends, eyewitnesses, politicians, and journalists who closely followed the case.

Actors

• Muta'Ali Muhammad: As the director and interviewer, he played a critical role in objectively presenting the devastating events leading to and following Yusuf Hawkins' death.
• Reverend Al Sharpton: Presented in his role as a civil rights activist, his inputs provide valuable insights into the social and political climate of the period.
• David Dinkins: As the Mayor of New York City during the time, his commentary forms a significant part of the political narratives.

Trivia / Interesting Facts

• The film is a part of HBO's collection of powerful documentaries addressing systemic racism and its historical implications.
• The filmmakers took an on-the-ground approach, shooting on location in Bensonhurst, the neighborhood where Yusuf Hawkins was shot.

Awards

Sorry, no awards have been listed for Yusuf Hawkins: Storm Over Brooklyn as of now.

Quotes

• "Our son was not involved in any fight...the news was trying to justify why Yusuf was killed." - Diane Hawkins, Yusuf's mother.
• "You don’t forget things like that…you just learn to live with it." - Ahmad Hawkins, Yusuf's brother.

Music, Soundtrack

• The music and soundtrack of the documentary underscore the emotional journey of the film, heightening the intensity with quiet melodies and throbbing rhythms that contribute to the overall storytelling.