Almost 40 years ago, Eyes on the Prize set the bar for documenting the Black struggle for civil rights in America, providing an in-depth look at the history and resilience of those who fought for justice. Today, at a time when the ideals of racial equity and justice are being tested, HBO is returning with a new chapter in this iconic series. Eyes on the Prize III: We Who Believe in Freedom Cannot Rest 1977–2015 expands the narrative, offering a powerful continuation of the story.
The six-part series, premiering February 25, 2025, and streaming on Max, features contributions from some of the nation’s leading nonfiction filmmakers, including Geeta Gandbhir, Samantha Knowles, Muta’Ali, Rudy Valdez, Smriti Mundhra, and Asako Gladsjo. Executive produced by Dawn Porter, this new installment captures the relentless fight for freedom and equality, bringing fresh perspectives to a battle that is far from over.
Dawn Porter always gives exactly what you want from a documentary — the truth. Her stories are wide open, scraping the bottom of the jar for that very last drop. Her most recent offering of Luther: Never Too Much was the balm we needed to remind us of the incredible talent we lost, but also reveal who Luther Vandross was as a human being. It was incredibly vulnerable, providing us with accurate context of his story.
I believe that documentaries made by Black women are uniquely positioned to share stories from an insider perspective. They often have lived experiences that directly shape the narrative, providing a richness and authenticity that is sometimes lacking in works produced by those outside of the community. They understand the nuances, complexities, and victories of Black life, offering a more truthful portrayal of joys and struggles.
With this installment of Eyes on the Prize, we see decades marked with intense activism, as Black people fought for civil rights, equal access to education, and the dismantling of institutional racism. These movements were pivotal in reshaping laws, society, and cultural attitudes about race and equality. This documentary helped to highlight the tireless efforts of Black leaders, grassroots organizations, and everyday people who fought for change.
The first episode, America, Don’t Look Away 1977–1988, follows community activists in New York’s South Bronx and Philadelphia as they campaign for fair housing and healthcare during the final years of the Carter administration, the rise of Reaganomics, and the onset of the AIDS crisis. It was cringing to watch video of Ronald Reagan saying, “Make America Great Again,” knowing the current madness behind that slogan we are dealing with today.
When Jimmy Carter walked through the South Bronx during his presidency in 1977, it was a significant moment that highlighted his commitment to addressing urban poverty and housing issues. The South Bronx, at the time, was symbolic of the struggles faced by many American cities, grappling with disinvestment, decay, and social unrest. By walking through the neighborhood, Carter sought to raise awareness about the dire conditions, signal his administration’s attention to urban renewal, and demonstrate solidarity with the communities fighting for better living conditions. It was a rare act of presidential engagement with a marginalized community, and he would stress the need for federal support.
Episode two, Trapped: 1989–1995, focuses on the criminal justice system, featuring public defenders in Washington D.C. and local activists in South Central Los Angeles. This episode covered the L.A. gang violence epidemic but it also sourced reasons why young Black men turned to the streets. It also put a spotlight on how the LAPD worked to undermine the peace treaty between the gangs, essentially making them the true gang. This proved to be true after four officers were found not guilty for the beating of Rodney King.
I found the Million Man March 1995 episode to be quite revealing. We knew that there was community surrounding this monumental event; however, there was much controversy as well. Black men traveled from around the nation to be present for this transformative event, with Minister Louis Farrakhan at the helm. Black women still played a pivotal role in the march, even though initially they were told to stay home and take care of the children.
Spoil the Vine 1982–2011 also resonated with me, as it reveals difficult history of environmental racism. Activists in West Virginia and Florida fight threats to their communities’ health and survival. It’s the disproportionate exposure of communities of color, particularly Black, to environmental hazards such as pollution, toxic waste, and industrial facilities. These communities often face higher rates of health issues due to living in areas with poor air quality, contaminated water, and other harmful environmental conditions, all of which are the result of systemic inequalities and discriminatory policies.
We Don’t See Color 1996–2013 examines the complexities of affirmative action policies and how shifting demographic trends influenced school desegregation in new ways. It was a reminder of the current complexities of affirmative action policies that stem from ongoing debates over how race and socioeconomic status should factor into admissions processes at colleges and universities. While we know affirmative action is necessary to address the historical and systemic disadvantages faced by marginalized communities, critics contend that it can lead to reverse discrimination and perpetuate divisions based on race.
What Comes after Hope? 2008–2015 chronicles the years of President Barack Obama. Despite hope for significant societal change, police brutality mounted and a new movement under the banner of #BlackLivesMatter came about.
This documentary captures remarkable and multifaceted chapters in Black history, where cultural shifts, social movements, and political changes intersect. Examining this era allows us to not only reflect on the challenges that have shaped the Black experience but also to recognize the resilience, and creativity that continue to redefine this narrative.
Documentaries like this are essential to preserving and sharing the rich history of Black people in America. I appreciate that the untold stories of activists, leaders, and ordinary individuals are documented in this way. It ensures the lessons learned from past battles are never forgotten. We must understand where we’ve been to create the path for where we need to go. Eyes on the Prize provides a counter-narrative to mainstream histories, helping to correct erasures and offer a more comprehensive understanding of who we are in American history.
Eyes on the Prize III: We Who Believe in Freedom Cannot Rest 1977–2015 premieres Tuesday, February 25th on HBO and is available to stream on MAX.
