Ava DuVernay’s Netflix series, When They See Us, tells a tragic true story rooted in the Central Park jogger case of 1989, where five young Black and Latino men were wrongfully accused of a crime they did not commit. The four-part series premiered in 2019 and received widespread acclaim, earning 11 Primetime Emmy nominations and sparking vital conversations about racial bias within the justice system.
The drama portrays the harrowing impact of false accusations on the lives of these youths—Kevin Richardson, Antron McCray, Yusef Salaam, Korey Wise, and Raymond Santana—while exploring how their families coped during the trials. The prosecutor’s handling of the case divided the five into two groups, leading to wrongful convictions on various charges.
While four of the men were wrongfully found guilty of rape, their fates took a turn in December 2002 when Matias Reyes, the actual perpetrator, confessed, and DNA evidence supported his admission. This revelation led to the eventual exoneration of the five men, who sought justice against the City of New York, resulting in a $41 million settlement in 2014 for their suffering due to malicious prosecution and racial discrimination.
The series concludes on a hopeful note, showcasing their journeys to rebuild their lives, start families, pursue careers, and engage in social justice advocacy. When They See Us not only recounts a painful chapter in history but also uplifts the voices of those who have triumphed over adversity. The show has left an indelible mark on viewers, emphasizing the importance of justice and the need for systemic change.