Just weeks after Jay Z and The Weinstein Co. brought the story of Kalief Browder to television with TIME: The Kalief Browder Story, the team is poised to help in bringing the story of another young black man to the screen.
According to the Hollywood Reporter, The Weinstein Co. has acquired the rights to two books on the late Trayvon Martin: “Suspicion Nation: The Inside Story of the Trayvon Martin Injustice and Why We Continue to Repeat It” and “Rest in Power: The Enduring Life of Trayvon Martin.”
The latter was written by Martin’s parents, Sybrina Fulton and Tracy Martin.
“Rest In Power,” which was released at the top of this year, offers an intimate look at the life of Martin. “Suspicion Nation” provides a look into Zimmerman’s trial and subsequent acquittal.
With the rights to the two books, Jay Z and The Weinstein Co. plan to release both a feature film and a docuseries on the slain teen.
In February 2012, Martin was shot and killed by neighborhood watch coordinator George Zimmerman, who claimed self-defense and was ultimately acquitted on second-degree murder charges.
Martin’s death resonated deeply within the Hip Hop community, inspiring numerous protest songs, as well as musical tributes from artists across the country. Los Angeles rapper The Game even received a tattoo in honor of Martin.
Jay doing BIG things for the culture.
like satanism
90 Minutes Movie about a 15 Minute Incident. Probably not gonna be boring at all
Oy Vey! (((Hollywood))) sure loves their white guilt inducing propaganda films!
Jay z likes anal don’t tell b
King HOV continues to win, win, win! This will be a box office smash. What’s Nas been up to lately? Being broke? Paying child support to Kelis? Okay.
Why is it that we keep hearing about Jay capitalizing on our brothers being mistreated but we have yet to hear what he is doing to help our brothers. Not asking for a hand out, but can the proceeds go toward correcting Rikers, reform of the stand your ground law, or the youth?
So what are YOU doing?
Nothing to be honest. I wouldn’t take a dime from a movie exploiting us. The movies are only memories of our people accepting injustice.
Making a film about this will make a stronger record of a situation that had no true closure. That is how you make a point of something and make sure people are aware and informed. You think white people care enough to put it out there so we can address profiling? Nah I don’t think so. Jay z knows that and so he’s using his power in entertainment to make it happen. Without that no one would do shit. Why shouldn’t he bank, what are you doing to inform the world of a fucked up issue still around today? The fact that it’s jay z will make people take a look at the film. People who don’t read will watch it and even learn something they didn’t know before. If we went off of your logic there would be no documentaries at all. It’s about informing people and making it so it’s impossible to forget.
Lots of aggression my friend for just an opinion. If it’s strictly about us… why not the proceeds too?
Weinstein sure sounds like a jevvish name. I am not surprised one bit that they would finance and produce a movie that makes the white man look bad.
Jay-z is a global elitist scumbag, who doesn’t give a shit about community. Having half a billion dollars isn’t enough for Jay-Z, he will exploit the death of Mr. Martin for personal gains while continuing to promote division of the black community.
How sway? How? Do a little research before you speak. Who are you to say anything negative about the man. He is doing way more than you bitching online. He just gave gave us that docu series. Look it up. Fucking crab in a barrel. He gives more of a fuck than YOU ever will.