Issue link: http://digital.copcomm.com/i/1010570
B L A C K K K L A N S M A N | P E R S P E C T I V E 8 1 BlackkKlansman's release date coincides with the anniversary of the Charlottesville "Unite the Right" rally, where alt-right protesters, angry about the removal of a statue of Robert E. Lee, marched and clashed with counter-protesters. The security of the town was compromised, a state of emergency was declared, and a white supremacist rammed his car into the crowd of counter-protesters, killing one and injuring nineteen others. With the film, Spike Lee is once again shining a light on the history of racism in America. The story begins with the first black policeman in the Colorado Springs Police Department (CSPD), who infiltrates the KKK in an effort to stop a deadly plot against the local chapter of the Colorado College Black Student Union. It ends with a coda that sharply reminds us that the efforts of pioneers like Ron Stallworth are part of a larger struggle that continues today. This struggle continues to be hindered by the persistent ignorance of racist organizations in America, and the current administration's tolerance for the alt- right and their ideologies. One of the greatest joys of the Production Design profession is that I get to briefly and intensely immerse myself in worlds and time periods I have not lived in, and to walk in the shoes of people I have not known. This has led me to some amazing places. As an Art Director, I have been to the future A. CSPD INTELLIGENCE BULLPEN. PHOTO BY DAVID LEE. B. 1972 GRAPHICS. ELECTION YEAR, PROTESTS, MUSIC AND MORE. NIXON WAS UP FOR ELECTION. SHIRLEY CHISHOLM WAS THE FIRST BLACK WOMAN TO GET ON THE BALLOT FOR PRESIDENT. BY GRAPHIC ARTIST EMMA STENSAAS. B