My journal by Branson Davis

This Is America

150155_10 — 2024-11-21 20:59:53 UTC

A powerful music video that critiques gun violence, racism, and systemic oppression in the U.S. It highlights how mass shootings and police brutality disproportionately affect African Americans, reflecting the broader cultural crisis surrounding guns.

Guns Change The Story

150155_10 — 2024-11-21 21:00:32 UTC

This social media campaign uses real teens’ stories to challenge misconceptions about gun safety and risks, especially in urban communities affected by gun violence. It encourages critical thinking about the presence of guns in everyday life

“Bleeding Out” by Thomas Abt

150155_10 — 2024-11-21 21:01:04 UTC

Focuses on how to reduce urban gun violence using evidence-based methods. The book advocates for community-specific interventions to address systemic inequities that fuel violence

The Trace’s Gun Violence Resources

150155_10 — 2024-11-21 21:01:48 UTC

Articles and data about the societal impact of gun violence in urban areas, discussing challenges in reducing shootings while addressing root causes like poverty and inequities

How does the internet facilitate worsening gun violence?

150155_10 — 2024-11-21 21:03:20 UTC

Discusses how social media amplifies gun violence by escalating conflicts and glorifying weapons, especially among youth

NIH Study on Gun Violence Impact on Children

150155_10 — 2024-11-21 21:04:22 UTC

Highlights that gun violence has become the leading cause of death for children in the U.S., surpassing motor vehicle accidents. It emphasizes the need for legislative change

Fist, Stick, Knife, Gun

150155_10 — 2024-11-21 21:04:30 UTC

A memoir exploring a personal journey through gun violence in the Bronx. It sheds light on how social environments and learned behaviors perpetuate cycles of violence

Ghettoside

150155_10 — 2024-11-21 21:04:31 UTC

Investigates murder cases in South Los Angeles, revealing systemic failures in addressing gun violence and how they perpetuate cycles of crime and loss

American Psychological Association Report on Gun Violence

150155_10 — 2024-11-21 21:07:36 UTC

A comprehensive guide on prevention strategies and the psychological impact of gun violence, focusing on mental health and policy solutions

Peace In the Hood

150155_10 — 2024-11-21 21:08:01 UTC

Shares practical advice and personal stories from decades of working to reduce gang-related gun violence, aiming to inspire community-driven interventions

The Atlantic: The Problem with American Gun Culture

150155_10 — 2024-11-21 21:09:41 UTC

Discusses the roots of America’s gun culture, the impact of lobbying groups like the NRA, and the cultural resistance to gun control legislation. It provides historical and societal context

TechTank Podcast by Brookings

150155_10 — 2024-11-21 21:09:43 UTC

Examines the role of technology in exacerbating gun violence, especially how online platforms can escalate conflicts that lead to real-world shootings

NPR Coverage of Mass Shootings in America

150155_10 — 2024-11-21 21:09:45 UTC

Provides detailed accounts of major mass shootings and how legislative responses differ across countries. It illustrates the unique cultural and political challenges in the U.S.

Gun Violence and Race Article by Cultursmag

150155_10 — 2024-11-21 21:09:47 UTC

Explores how race and systemic inequality intersect with gun violence, focusing on African American communities and cultural representations in media

NIHCM Fact Sheet on Gun Violence

150155_10 — 2024-11-21 21:09:49 UTC

Details the scale and trends of gun violence in the U.S., illustrating its disproportionate impact on marginalized communities and children

Will’s Mother - Viola Davis

150155_10 — 2024-11-21 21:18:20 UTC

Known For: The Help, Fences

Why Cast: Viola has a gift for portraying deep emotional pain, which would shine in the role of a grieving mother who anchors Will’s world.

Tony - Jaden Smith

150155_10 — 2024-11-21 21:18:22 UTC

Known For: The Pursuit of Happyness, The Karate Kid

Why Cast: Jaden’s energy and relatability would make Tony, Will’s basketball-loving friend, a believable and likable character.

Shawn Holloman - John Boyega

150155_10 — 2024-11-21 21:18:25 UTC

Known For: Star Wars (Finn), Detroit

Why Cast: John excels at portraying intense, emotionally charged characters. As Shawn, he would embody the silent, strong presence of an older brother whose death drives the plot.

Will Holloman - Miles Brown

150155_10 — 2024-11-21 21:18:26 UTC

Known For: Black-ish (Jack Johnson)

Why Cast: Miles has experience playing emotional, thoughtful roles in family-centered dramas. His expressive acting and age-appropriate presence would bring depth to Will’s journey through grief and self-discovery.

Pop - Idris Elba

150155_10 — 2024-11-21 21:18:28 UTC

Known For: Luther, Beasts of No Nation

Why Cast: Idris has a powerful presence and the acting range to portray Will’s father, whose own tragic cycle of revenge deeply influences Will’s decisions.

Buck - Mahershala Ali

150155_10 — 2024-11-21 21:18:30 UTC

Known For: Moonlight, Green Book

Why Cast: Mahershala’s calm yet commanding on-screen presence fits Buck’s role as a guiding spirit for Will. His ability to convey wisdom and regret would give Buck’s ghost a lasting impact.

Uncle Mark - Jamie Foxx

150155_10 — 2024-11-21 21:18:31 UTC

Known For: Ray, Django Unchained

Why Cast: Jamie’s charisma and ability to switch between humor and seriousness would make Uncle Mark a compelling, multifaceted character.

Dani - Marsai Martin

150155_10 — 2024-11-21 21:18:33 UTC

Known For: Black-ish (Diane Johnson), Little

Why Cast: Marsai can portray both innocence and maturity, which is crucial for Dani’s role as a young ghost whose life was cut tragically short.

Frick - Lakeith Stanfield

150155_10 — 2024-11-21 21:18:34 UTC

Known For: Get Out, Judas and the Black Messiah

Why Cast: Lakeith’s nuanced acting style suits Frick, a character whose mistakes and death are key to the story’s moral complexity.

Riggs - Caleb McLaughlin

150155_10 — 2024-11-21 21:18:36 UTC

Known For: Stranger Things (Lucas Sinclair)

Why Cast: Caleb brings a mix of intensity and vulnerability, making him a strong choice for Riggs, the suspected shooter and Shawn’s killer.

Playlist

150155_10 — 2024-11-21 21:29:01 UTC

Sam Bush - Stop the Violence Sam Bush emphasizes the need for unity to overcome the devastating effects of gun violence. His heartfelt lyrics focus on promoting peace and healing within communities. Foster the People - Pumped Up Kicks Mark Foster wrote this haunting song from the perspective of a troubled youth contemplating violence, highlighting the warning signs and consequences of untreated trauma. Kendrick Lamar - Alright Kendrick Lamar offers hope in the face of systemic violence and generational trauma, particularly for Black communities. It became an anthem during protests against police brutality. Childish Gambino - This Is America Childish Gambino critiques the normalization of violence and its intersection with systemic racism. The song’s visuals and lyrics depict the cycle of trauma within communities impacted by violence. J. Cole - 4 Your Eyez Only J. Cole reflects on cycles of poverty and violence and their impact on families. The song explores how such conditions contribute to generational trauma and despair. Bruce Springsteen - American Skin This song recounts the shooting of Amadou Diallo and critiques the fear and prejudice leading to violence. Springsteen captures the heartbreak of communities affected by systemic violence. Joyner Lucas - I’m Not Racist Joyner Lucas fosters dialogue about racial violence and misunderstanding. This powerful piece reveals the perspectives contributing to cycles of trauma in America. Tupac Shakur - Changes Tupac tackles systemic inequality, gun violence, and generational struggles in this introspective anthem. His lyrics resonate with the ongoing fight for social justice. Marvin Gaye - What’s Going On Gaye’s timeless classic addresses societal unrest and violence, urging listeners to confront systemic issues contributing to generational trauma. John Legend - Preach John Legend pleads for action against gun violence and other systemic problems, emphasizing the importance of change to prevent further harm. 21 Savage - a lot 21 Savage reflects on the trauma stemming from violence and systemic oppression in marginalized communities. The song is both personal and socially aware. P!nk - Family Portrait While not directly about gun violence, P!nk’s song delves into familial trauma, showcasing how unresolved pain impacts generations. Kanye West - Jesus Walks Kanye explores themes of salvation amidst societal struggles, highlighting how faith can help break cycles of violence and trauma. Common - Glory This Oscar-winning track from Selma explores racial injustice and violence, connecting the past to ongoing struggles for equality. Macklemore & Ryan Lewis - Same Love While focused on equality, the song touches on societal violence against marginalized groups, showing the intersection of trauma and systemic oppression.