By Nadine Spencer On July 5, 2019 In General

When We See Us: Reflections on When They See Us and the Power of Resilience

The Netflix series When They See Us still resonates with me deeply. Ava DuVernay masterfully tells the story of the Exonerated Five—five Black and Latino boys wrongfully convicted in the infamous 1989 Central Park jogger case. Their journey through an unjust legal system, their resilience in the face of unimaginable hardship, and their ultimate fight for freedom remain a powerful reminder of the systemic racism embedded in institutions meant to serve justice.

For me, beyond the clear injustices—the racial profiling, coerced confessions, and the vilification of these young boys in the media—the most striking element of this story is the absolute resilience of the five men. Black people are strong because we have to be. History has shown time and time again that we do not always get the privilege of vulnerability. Strength is not an option; it is a necessity for survival. Yet, I often find myself wishing that our strength did not have to be forged through suffering.

The Power of Seeing Ourselves

One of the most profound takeaways from When They See Us is the importance of educating our children as early as possible about what it means to be Black in a society that too often criminalizes and dehumanizes us. Particularly in the United States, where racial bias can shape a child’s future long before they even understand the weight of their skin color, we must be proactive in preparing them for the world they will navigate. But education is not just about survival—it is also about empowerment.

We must ask ourselves: When WE see us, what do we see? Too often, the narrative about Black communities is shaped by struggle and oppression. While these are undeniable realities, they do not define our full experience. When WE see us, let it be through a lens of strength, love, and collective empowerment. We must commit to:

• Looking out for each other – Protecting our communities from harm, both external and internal.
• Standing together – Recognizing that we are stronger in unity than in division.
• Showing up – Being present in the moments that matter, whether in activism, business, or personal support.
• Supporting each other – Amplifying Black voices, businesses, and achievements.
• Lifting each other up – Celebrating our successes as much as we acknowledge our struggles.

Beyond the Story: A Call to Action

Ava DuVernay’s When They See Us does more than tell a heartbreaking story—it challenges us to act. The Exonerated Five—Korey Wise, Raymond Santana, Antron McCray, Kevin Richardson, and Yusef Salaam—have turned their pain into purpose, advocating for criminal justice reform and using their platform to prevent future injustices. Their fight for justice should inspire us all to stay vigilant, to push for systemic change, and to ensure that no more children are forced to prove their innocence simply because of the color of their skin.

Let this be the true outcome of When They See Us. Let it remind us of the power of our own vision—to see ourselves in each other, to redefine the narrative, and to build a future where strength is a choice, not a survival mechanism.

Because when WE see us, we change the world.