How does the 1921 Tulsa Race Riot connect to 2012 racial violence?
“Hate Crimes in the Heartland” uses recent racial strife to examine the racial history of Tulsa, Oklahoma. While informing the audience about the largest race riot in American history, the rather short documentary pushes to make connections to today. I wish we had more time spent examining the recent all-white shooting spree of a black community in Tulsa. However, it’s only used as set dressing.
It’s a weird documentary, as it could almost be split into three separate narratives. The lack of focus isn’t terrible if this was a contained TV special. It just doesn’t stand up that well as a solo film. Which is a shame, because when the documentary is on point…it excels. The DVD comes with no major special features.
RELEASE DATE: 1/12/2016