Why Is We Americans?

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Why Is We Americans (2020) explores the Baraka family through the lens of Amiri Baraka, a poet and activist. The film opens with archival footage of Amiri speaking at the 1972 National Black Political Convention, intermixed with footage of his son Ras Baraka’s campaign for mayor of Newark. Matriarch Amina Baraka “forms the emotional center” of the film, both in her support of the Newark community and her family. The narrative explores how Amina and Amiri raised their five children in Newark during violate time, including the Newark Rebellion of 1967.