Watch The United States of Detroit

The United States of Detroit is a 2017 documentary that delves into the issues facing the city of Detroit: poverty, lack of education, police brutality, and a declining population. Directed by Tylor Norwood, the film features interviews with a diverse range of Detroit residents, including activists, artists, educators, and politicians.

At the center of the film is Pastor Berry Randolph, a longtime resident of Detroit and the founder of the Church of the Messiah. Randolph is a charismatic figure who serves as a bridge between the different communities in the city. He believes that Detroit's problems stem from a lack of communal spirit, and he works tirelessly to build bridges between the city's residents.

The film also highlights the work of Stephen Henderson, a Pulitzer Prize-winning journalist who has covered Detroit for many years. Henderson provides a nuanced analysis of the city's history, explaining the factors that led to its decline and the challenges it faces in the present day.

The United States of Detroit is a poignant and thought-provoking film that addresses some of the most pressing issues facing urban America. One of the key themes of the movie is the impact of racial segregation on the city's residents. Detroit was once a thriving center of industry, but over the years, it has become increasingly divided along racial lines, with much of the white population leaving for the suburbs. This has left many of Detroit's predominantly black residents struggling to find good jobs, decent housing, and quality education.

The film also shines a light on the work of grassroots activists who are working to change the city. We meet a group of young people who have set up community gardens in some of Detroit's abandoned lots, providing fresh produce to local residents. We also hear from educators who are working to improve Detroit's public schools, which have been underfunded for many years.

One of the most powerful moments in the film comes when we meet the family of Aiyana Stanley-Jones, a seven-year-old girl who was shot and killed by police in 2010 during a botched raid. The tragedy of Aiyana's death speaks to the broader issue of police brutality in Detroit, and the film raises important questions about the relationship between law enforcement and the city's residents.

Throughout the film, we see the resilience and strength of Detroit's residents, who have been through so much but refuse to give up hope. There are moments of sadness and frustration, but also moments of beauty and inspiration. We see artists who are using their talents to create murals and public art that celebrate the city's history and spirit.

Overall, The United States of Detroit is a powerful documentary that offers a multifaceted portrait of a city that has been through so much. It is a film that will resonate with anyone who cares about urban America and the challenges facing our cities in the 21st century.

The United States of Detroit is a 2019 documentary with a runtime of 1 hour and 22 minutes. It has received moderate reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 5.8.