Black Public Media’s “AfroPoP” series presents “Paradox,” a film examining Minneapolis’ policing history

Paradox: Echoes of Reform & the Minneapolis Police will anchor Season 18 of Black Public Media’s AfroPoP: The Ultimate Cultural Exchange as its 100th film, marking a major milestone for the Peabody Award‑winning documentary series. The film premieres November 9 on the PBS App and PBS.org.

Inside Paradox

Directed by Daniel Pierce Bergin, a 20‑time regional Emmy winner, Paradox examines 150 years of policing, power and politics in Minneapolis, a city long marked by misconduct and abuse. The film argues that George Floyd’s murder “did not happen in a historical vacuum,” instead emerging from generations of policy failures and political clashes.

Historian Dr. Yohuru Williams guides viewers through archival footage, mayoral politics, police union influence and community activism. The documentary blends deep research with candid interviews from civic leaders, activists and scholars, including historian Dr. Michael Lansing, author of the companion book A Police State.

Why It Matters

The film arrives as police brutality continues to dominate national headlines. AfroPoP positions Paradox as a tool for public understanding, urging viewers to confront the past to better shape the future. Bergin said the film aims to deepen conversations about accountability and meaningful reform.

Black Public Media’s Season 18 Highlights

Paradox closes a season that also features Listen to Me, a documentary on the nation’s Black maternal health crisis by Kanika Harris and Stephanie Etienne, and This World Is Not My Own, a portrait of late folk artist Nellie Mae Rowe by Opendox filmmakers Petter Ringbom and Marquise Stillwell. This World Is Not My Own is the first feature‑length film to debut exclusively on Black Public Media’s YouTube channel.

AfroPoP remains the only U.S. public media program dedicated solely to independent films about contemporary life across the African diaspora.

The series reached its 100th film despite a $1.8 million budget cut after Congress rescinded public media funding in 2025. The Harlem‑based nonprofit pushed forward, continuing its mission to elevate independent films about Black life, art and culture.

“This milestone is a testament to AfroPoP’s enduring commitment,” said Leslie Fields‑Cruz, BPM’s executive director.