Kalief Browder’s tale comes into full focus when his life and his mother’s, Venida Brodnax Browder, are tragically upended following years of malintent from the justice system. This is not a retelling of Kalief's case. Instead, Venida’s poems anchor a temporal odyssey as they are weaved through archival discovery and contemporary political movements to honor the Browders’ legacy within their community and beyond. The piece reveals how an individual’s life — and afterlife — can transcend boundaries to ignite social and cultural change once thought unattainable.

Thoughtfully pulled together by Sisa Bueno in her feature directorial debut, the tapestry on hand depicts a deep-rooted relationship between Kalief, Venida and their communities. The brilliant balance between honoring their legacies through artistic medium and a rich archive interlaced with further documentation gives us the tools to unpack the stark reality of the injustices which befell Kalief and Venida — and to prepare for the fight ahead.—Casey Baron

Sisa Bueno