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Korey Wise, Marci (Ebony) Wise & Delores Wise in Emmy-Nominated series When They See Us (Based on a true story, 2019)

Oprah’s Message: “If When They See Us is Hard to Watch...”

Oprah is over the moon about the success of the Ava DuVernay’s Netflix series “When They See Us.” As an executive producer for the project, Ms. Winfrey made it clear: “If you haven’t seen yet...please do. And for everyone who says it’s “hard to watch,” think about the people who still find it “hard to live.” All those families impacted!”

The four part series which premiered last Friday tells the true story of the black teenagers known as the Central Park Five. Under the hand of the law, these children were wrongfully and aggressively accused of the rape of a 28-year-old white woman in 1989. Their case resonated across the globe due the lack of evidence against them and the mishandling of justice on their behalf. Although later vindicated and awarded $41 million dollars by New York City, these children went to prison with one of them, Korey Wise, serving 12 years of a 5 - 15 year sentence.

Via Instagram Oprah praised actor Jharrel Jerome with a photo and caption, "Can we all stand up and give @jharreljerome a round of applause. Incredible performance #standingovation." Jharrel, who portrayed Korey Wise, added a comment to her post saying, “ Thank you so much, Oprah. From the bottom of my heart. You have inspired my family and I, and have taught us how to love and overcome. For my work to deserve a standing ovation from you is UNBELIEVABLE. Okay. I’m gonna go cry and tell my mom now.” Oprah also shouted out the actresses who played his mother and transgender sister in the series.

Since the release of the provocative true story, white privilege has been revoked for Linda Fairstein. Based off of the accurate telling of the story, Fairstein has been forced to resign from executive boards, close out her social media accounts, and was stripped of her 1993 Glamour Magazine Women of the Year Award. In a open letter, Editor in Chief Samantha Barry shared “Unequivocally, Glamour would not bestow this honor on her today. She received the award in 1993, before the full injustices in this case were brought to light. Though the convictions were later vacated and the men received a settlement from the City of New York, the damage caused is immeasurable.” The #CancelLindaFairstein has pretty much ended the former prosecutor for her racist, prejudice, and negligent role in robbing black children of justice. Fairstein, who went on to become a best selling author, has also been dropped from many retailers.

Even after the admitted and proven criminal, Matias Reyes, was found to be guilty with DNA evidence, Fairstein still maintains she was right about the case. In a 2013 tweet, President Donald J. Trump, who took out a $88,000 dollar ad calling for the death penalty for the kids accused said, “The Central Park Five documentary was a one sided piece of garbage that didn't explain the horrific crimes of these young men while in park.”

Thankfully karma has come back to re-balance the scales of justice!