Why do I want to make this film?
I wrote this film because, at 17 years old, I experienced firsthand the fear and trauma that too many Black men face when simply existing in their own skin. After working all summer to save up money to get my car registered and insured, I was pulled over, and before I could even explain myself, police officers had their weapons drawn on me—assuming my car was stolen. That moment of terror never left me. It wasn’t just about me; it was about the countless Black families who have to sit their children down and have the talk—not about the birds and the bees, but about survival. About how to stay alive when faced with the very people sworn to protect us. This film isn’t just a story; it’s a reality that Black communities know all too well. I wanted to capture the emotional weight of these experiences, to show how the system continuously fails us, and to shed light on the conversations we are forced to have with our children that others never have to think about. This film is about truth, injustice, and the resilience of our people in the face of it all.
What Is Black Summer About?
Set in In the city, Black Summer follows four best friends— Raheem, Dwayne, Maine, and Rashid—as they drive through their neighborhood, celebrating Raheem’s hard-earned success of buying his first car. The night is filled with laughter, hip-hop blaring through the speakers, and the promise of freedom.
But that freedom is cut short when flashing red and blue lights appear in the rearview mirror.
Officer Jason Miller, a cop with a history of racial profiling, stops the boys at gunpoint, falsely accusing them of stealing the car. What should have been a routine interaction becomes a moment of trauma, humiliation, and fear—one that will change their lives forever.
From the aftermath at home to the legal battle that follows, Black Summer delves into the deep-seated injustice within our policing system, the strength of community activism, and the moral crossroads between street justice and the law.
This film explores:
✅ The reality of racial profiling and police brutality
✅ The power of community organizing and protest
✅ The inner conflict between legal justice and taking matters into your own hands
✅ The emotional and psychological toll of growing up Black in America
Why This Story Matters
This is more than just a film—it’s a mirror to society, a conversation starter, and a wake-up call.
We have seen real-life cases like this play out time and time again—young Black men and women targeted, harassed, and even killed for simply existing. Black Summer seeks to capture that reality in an honest and emotionally gripping way, forcing audiences to confront these uncomfortable truths.
This film is for everyone—for those who have lived these experiences, for those who need to understand them, and for those who are fighting for real change.
Why We Need Your Help
Independent filmmaking is incredibly expensive, and we are committed to doing this story justice by ensuring high-quality production, powerful performances, and an authentic representation of our communities. Your generous contributions will go directly towards:
🎥 Production Costs – Hiring a professional crew, securing camera equipment, and capturing stunning cinematography.
📍 Location Fees & Set Design – Creating an authentic Jersey City atmosphere and making every scene feel real.
🎭 Cast & Crew Compensation – Supporting talented Black and diverse actors, and crew members who will bring this story to life.
🎬 Post-Production – Editing, color correction, sound design, and original music to ensure a cinematic experience.
📣 Marketing & Distribution – Submitting Black Summer to major film festivals, organizing community screenings, and reaching a global audience.
With your support, we can make Black Summer a film that doesn’t just entertain—but educates, enlightens, and ignites action.
How You Can Help
🔹 Donate: Every dollar makes a difference! No contribution is too small, and every bit brings us closer to making this film a reality.
🔹 Share: If you can’t donate, help us spread the word! Share this campaign with your friends, family, and community.
🔹 Partner With Us: If you’re a filmmaker, activist, or organization that aligns with our mission, let’s collaborate!
💡 Our Goal: $50,000.00 💡
Your support is not just funding a film —you’re helping create something that will leave a lasting impact for years to come .
This Is Bigger Than a Movie—It’s a Movement
We are telling the stories that matter . We are fighting for justice through art . And we can’t do it without you .
Join us in making Black Summer a reality. Let’s shine a light on the truth—because when the system fails, the story must be told.
🔥 DONATE NOW & BE A PART OF THE MOVEMENT! 🔥
#BlackSummerFilm #JusticeForAll #SupportBlackFilmmakers #EndRacialProfiling
