- Welcome to Independent Lens.
I'm Pete Schwaba, host of PBS Wisconsin's Director's Cut.
Tonight, we take you to Evanston, Illinois,
where a newly-elected city councilwoman
used her power to lead a fight for reparations
and was successful, in the film The Big Payback.
In 2017, Robin "Rue" Simmons was elected to be the alderperson
of Evanston's racially segregated fifth ward.
Unlike many politicians, she did not just ease into the position.
Within three years, Simmons spearheaded the United States'
first-ever tax-funded reparations legislation.
Just how remarkable is this achievement?
In Washington D.C., Congresswoman Sheila Jackson Lee
continues to fight for HR 40,
a bill that examines the idea of reparations
for African Americans, which has sat in limbo for over 30 years.
The film focuses primarily on the resilience
of their charismatic leading lady
as she navigates supporters and detractors,
both Black and white.
The film also looks at many perspectives
on the subject of reparations
and the long history of this national debate.
The Big Payback is co-directed
by Erika Alexander and Whitney Dow.
Erika Alexander is an accomplished actor
with an impressive acting resume,
including credits like Get Out and Living Single.
Her producer credits include 2020's John Lewis: Good Trouble
which explored the life of the famous Georgia congressman
and civil rights leader John Lewis.
Co-director Whitney Dow
is not only also an award-winning documentarian,
he has a history with Independent Lens,
having executive produced multiple episodes of the show.
The two use their unique storytelling skills
to showcase a rookie alderwoman's crusade
to right historical wrongs.
The Big Payback starts now on PBS Wisconsin,
your home for independent film.