Documentary Screening to Examine Police Reform Through Black Officer’s Lens

A documentary following a Black officer’s struggle to reform policing from within will screen Oct. 22, followed by a panel discussion on racial justice and law enforcement. 

The showing is part of of the ‘Let’s Talk, Let’s Listen Community Series sponsored by POP! Pasadenans Organizing for Progress. 

Former Pasadena Police Deputy Chief Darryl Qualls will be featured as a speaker after the screening in a forum to include the film’s focus, New Jersey Officer Nakia McConnell, according to POP!. 

“54 and Counting” chronicles Officer McConnell’s journey to follow his father into law enforcement. The film explores his goal to change the system. 

“I want to tell my story because of my admiration for my dad and our love of law enforcement,” McConnell said in a statement by We Shall See Entertainment, which produced the film in 2021. “I could not sit idly by as systemic racism vilifies my people.” 

The documentary provides insight into the complexities facing Black police officers in New Jersey. McConnell defends his profession while advocating for reform. 

The screening begins at 7 p.m. at the Flintridge Center, 236 W. Mountain St. It’s part of the “Let’s Talk, Let’s Listen” Community Series.

A panel discussion titled “How Far Have We Come?” will follows the film. McConnell will join three panelists for audience questions. 

Panelists include Selina Ho, vice chair of the Pasadena Police Oversight Commission, and Qualls.. Jesus Cuevas, a PCC CORE Scholar, also will participate. 

“I want to encourage other Black and white officers to speak out against injustice,” McConnell said. 

The event is presented by POP! Pasadenans Organizing for Progress and the NAACP Pasadena Branch.