BlacKkKlansman is a movie I have wanted to watch for a while. I couldn’t find BlacKkKlansman on any streaming service I subscribe to. My mom collects DVDs and allowed me to borrow this movie. This movie tells a crucial story especially with the real-life events that preceded the making of this movie. There was a lot I took away from watching this film especially because I am a white woman.

BlacKkKlansman tells the real-life story of Ron Stallworth (played by John David Washington) who was the first African-American detective in the Colorado Springs Police department. During his service, he sets up an undercover operation to have white police detectives infiltrate the KKK. Philip “Flip” Zimmerman (played by Adam Driver) is the “white” Ron Stallworth who uncovers a planned bombing on the Black Panther Party. It’s a race against time to stop the bombing at all costs.

The real Ron Stallworth wrote a book about his experience which I have already ordered from my local bookstore. I admire his bravery in becoming a police officer while racism was still rampant. I’m glad his story was told as a film, so others like me can be aware of his story and to read his book.

My major takeaway from this film is recognizing the role white women played in the KKK and for keeping systemic racism alive today. In the film, one of the wives of the Klan helped plan the bombing. This level of violence wasn’t unheard of during this time. In today’s society, I think of the white women who call the police on young black kids. This is a way white women have been playing a role in the discrimination of the African American community. I may not have been alive during the Civil Rights movement, but I want to be an ally and to do better in ending racism.

Towards the end of BlacKkKlansman, the film shows real-life footage of the Unite the Night rally in Virginia along with President Donald Trump’s statements. Racism isn’t dead and these hate groups still exist. If we are to truly eliminate these hate groups, we cannot tolerate them in our society. There are no “both sides” with the KKK, their existence is a symbol of hatred and violence.

BlacKkKlansman deserved every single Oscar nomination. It’s a movie with incredible acting and storytelling. Ron Stallworth’s story along with the history of the Black Panther Party has inspired me to seek out more information. To help out this movement, I recommend donating to Black Lives Matter, the ACLU ,and the NAACP.