“Just Mercy” Zoom Discussion Set for Nov. 6

SARATOGA SPRINGS — Saratoga Jewish Community Arts presents a Zoom discussion of “Just Mercy” as part of its social justice series on Sunday, Nov. 6, at 7 p.m. 

Just Mercy, a 2019 biographical, legal drama based on a memoir of the same title, stars Michael B. Jordan. It emphasizes social justice, enumerating the variety of flaws of a legal structure, blinded by racism, and handicapped by poverty which leads to differential treatment in the criminal justice system.

“Just Mercy presents a world where deep-rooted racism, brutal intimidation, and an all but closed legal system stack the deck to a terrifying extent, against poor defendants of color,” Phyllis Wang, coordinator of SJCA, said in a statement.

The pursuit of social justice, challenging the unequal status quo, and maintaining hope are at the film’s core. The blame for injustice is largely placed on individuals through incompetent legal representation, police misconduct, and a biased judge rather than systemic racial and economic disparities. In addition to injustice, nature and family play a significant role in the film.

Registration for the panel discussion is required by emailing sjca.sjcf@gmail.com