Made with Equal Justice Initiative
A multidisciplinary storytelling project that documents the legacy of lynching in today’s criminal justice system through an interactive documentary, podcast, data visualization, museum exhibition, and impact campaign.
Lynching in America
AT-A-GLANCE
WHAT WE DID
Production
Direction
Story Finding
Creative Direction
Multi-format Impact Campaign
Documentary Film
Photo Essays & Book
6 Episode Podcast
Interactive Mini-site
PROJECT OVERVIEW
Inspired by Bryan Stevenson and the Equal Justice Initiative's tireless work to reshape the narrative around race in America, our team embarked on a year-long partnership to illuminate a hidden chapter of American history. EJI
uncovered the lynchings of over 4,000 African Americans between abolition and the Civil Rights movement.
Driven to share these stories, our team of filmmakers, writers, and designers wove together a multidisciplinary tapestry of film, podcasts, interactive experiences, and museum exhibitions. We brought these long-hidden truths
into the public spotlight, sparking conversations and fostering a deeper understanding of our shared past.
“They went from the tree, to the electric chair. From the electric chair to the gurney. They took off the white robes, and put on the black robes.”
ANTHONY RAY HILTON
THE BRIEF
EJI’s original research report was intended for an academic audience. When we were brought in, we were charged with bringing this research to the public by centering human stories, and weaving a narrative together that stretched into the modern day
At the heart of our initial proposal was a desire to craft this project across a number of different storytelling formats, so audiences could find the best way to engage – in their headphones, on a screen, online, or in person.
This is a caption about this particular
thing and what’s going on with it.
Impact & Recognition
102,000
Event & Museum Attendees
540 Million
Impressions across content & campaign
Webby Winner
Webby for Good
People’s Voice
Best Cause Related Campaign
Cannes Lion
Digital Craft
Bronze
1.3 Million
Site Visits
4.75 Million
Video Views
120 Press Stories
Including the New York Times, The Daily Show with Trevor Noah, and more.
97000 Posts
Related to EJI / Google Content
CREDITS
Creative Directors
Nico Carbonaro, Rebecca Sills
Executive Creative Director
Michael Tabtabai
Story Producer & Writer
Allison Davis
Executive Producer
Eloise Harper Connolly
Producer
Jon Campbell
Marketing Lead
Erika Radhanson, Sarah Pollack
Film Directors
Allison Davis & Nico Carbonaro
Cinematographers
Shawn Peters, David McMurry
Interactive Producers
April Ayala, Black Davidoff
UX
Christina Cruz
Design
Ben Lebovitz, Andrew Braswell, Kendall XXXXXX, Francis Almeda
