Yusuf Hawkins: Storm Over Brooklyn 2020
"His murder brought a community to its feet and a city to its knees."
Dive into the gripping 2020 documentary *Yusuf Hawkins: Storm Over Brooklyn* directed by Muta'Ali, where the heartbreaking 1989 murder of Black teenager Yusuf Hawkins in Bensonhurst, Brooklyn, ignites a raw exploration of justice, grief, and resilience.
Director: Muta’Ali
Cast
Frequently Asked Questions
What is *Yusuf Hawkins: Storm Over Brooklyn* (2020) about?
This powerful documentary revisits the 1989 killing of Black teenager Yusuf Hawkins in Bensonhurst, Brooklyn, and the grassroots movement it sparked. Through personal stories and archival footage, the film examines the tragedy's impact on Hawkins' family, friends, and the broader New York City community, highlighting the fight for justice and racial equity that followed.
Who directed *Yusuf Hawkins: Storm Over Brooklyn*?
The documentary was directed by Muta'Ali, who brings a sensitive and unflinching lens to this deeply emotional story.
Who stars in *Yusuf Hawkins: Storm Over Brooklyn*?
The film features powerful contributions from Al Sharpton, Lenora Fulani, David Dinkins, and Diane Hawkins, along with community members and activists tied to the case.
Is *Yusuf Hawkins: Storm Over Brooklyn* (2020) worth watching?
Absolutely—this documentary is a vital watch for anyone interested in social justice, racial equity, or New York City's history. Though IMDb hasn't rated it, its raw storytelling and historical weight make it a compelling and thought-provoking experience.
How long is *Yusuf Hawkins: Storm Over Brooklyn*?
The documentary runs for 99 minutes, delivering a tightly focused yet deeply immersive exploration of its themes.
🎥 Trailer
About Yusuf Hawkins: Storm Over Brooklyn (2020) — A 1989 Murder's Legacy and a Community's Fight for Justice
Dive into the gripping 2020 documentary *Yusuf Hawkins: Storm Over Brooklyn* directed by Muta'Ali, where the heartbreaking 1989 murder of Black teenager Yusuf Hawkins in Bensonhurst, Brooklyn, ignites a raw exploration of justice, grief, and resilience. Through intimate reflections from Hawkins' family and friends, the film revisits the tragedy that shook New York City, stirring protests and divisions while demanding accountability. The documentary paints a vivid portrait of a community forever changed, blending personal sorrow with the larger fight for racial equality and systemic change. With a tone that oscillates between sorrowful and defiant, it captures the enduring pain of loss while celebrating the unyielding spirit of those who refused to let Hawkins' story fade.
Muta'Ali masterfully crafts this documentary, weaving archival footage, emotional testimonies, and haunting visuals to immerse viewers in the Brooklyn of the late '80s—a time when racial tensions boiled over into violence. The film doesn't shy away from controversy, instead confronting uncomfortable truths about how Hawkins' murder exposed deep-seated divisions in the city. Featuring key voices like Al Sharpton and former Mayor David Dinkins, *Yusuf Hawkins: Storm Over Brooklyn (2020)* stands as both a memorial to a young life cut short and a call to action for justice.