On May 4, 1992 in Toronto, a march against anti-Black police violence turned into a riot. The march was organized by the Black Action Defense Committee, a civil rights group and police and criminal justice system watchdog founded by members of Toronto’s Black community. While media and politicians called it a riot, others, including anti-racism activists, called it a “rebellion,” even an “uprising.” “It Takes A Riot” is a provocative new documentary film exploring the events of May 4, 1992, its historical context, political impact, and relevance to contemporary struggles against anti-Black racism. On the 25th anniversary of the Yonge Street “riot”—and with racial injustice, police killings of Black people, and the Black Lives Matter movement on the front pages—this documentary asks: What does it take for Black people to get justice in this society?
Content Warning:
Violence, police brutality
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Gerstein Centre (Toronto): (416) 929-5200
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- Year2017
- Runtime27 minutes
- LanguageEnglish
- CountryCanada
- DirectorHoward Grandison
- ScreenwriterSimon Black, Howard Grandison
On May 4, 1992 in Toronto, a march against anti-Black police violence turned into a riot. The march was organized by the Black Action Defense Committee, a civil rights group and police and criminal justice system watchdog founded by members of Toronto’s Black community. While media and politicians called it a riot, others, including anti-racism activists, called it a “rebellion,” even an “uprising.” “It Takes A Riot” is a provocative new documentary film exploring the events of May 4, 1992, its historical context, political impact, and relevance to contemporary struggles against anti-Black racism. On the 25th anniversary of the Yonge Street “riot”—and with racial injustice, police killings of Black people, and the Black Lives Matter movement on the front pages—this documentary asks: What does it take for Black people to get justice in this society?
Content Warning:
Violence, police brutality
Need to talk?
Opens at 5:00 PM to 9:00 PM: BeanBagChat: Stella's Place's chat-based app for young adults ages 16-29 in Toronto
Need some coping tools?
Art with Impact Self Care Guide
In crisis?
Please call 911, or proceed to your nearest hospital
Gerstein Centre (Toronto): (416) 929-5200
Toronto Distress Centre: (416) 408-HELP (4357)
- Year2017
- Runtime27 minutes
- LanguageEnglish
- CountryCanada
- DirectorHoward Grandison
- ScreenwriterSimon Black, Howard Grandison