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Kansas Screenwriter Kevin Willmott & Spike Lee Take On The Black Experience Of The Vietnam War

By Steve Kraske,

Published June 25, 2020 at 4:10 PM CDT

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Six men sit on a boat floating in a muddy river. — Kevin Willmott surrounded by equipment

"Da Five Bloods" focuses on the journey of five Black veterans. Though they returned home from the war with their lives, they were met with discrimination and racism.

The searing portrait of the experiences of Black soldiers in Vietnam addresses a history of discrimination relevant today. "African American soldiers have always fought for rights they didn't have," Willmott explained.

Kevin Wilmott, director, screenwriter, and professor of film and media studies at the University of Kansas

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Up To Date Vietnam War Racism Kevin Willmott movie Film civil rights

Steve Kraske

When I host Up To Date each morning at 9, my aim is to engage the community in conversations about the Kansas City area’s challenges, hopes and opportunities. I try to ask the questions that listeners want answered about the day’s most pressing issues and provide a place for residents to engage directly with newsmakers. Reach me at steve@kcur.org or on Twitter @stevekraske.

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Danie Alexander

As senior producer of Up To Date, I want our listeners to hear familiar and new voices that shine light on the issues and challenges facing the myriad communities KCUR serves, and to expose our audiences to the wonderful and the creative in the Kansas City area. Just as important to me is an obligation to mentor the next generation of producers to ensure that the important conversations continue. Reach me at alexanderdk@kcur.org.

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Chris Young

Chris Young is an Assistant Producer for KCUR’s Up To Date. Contact him at chrisy@kcur.org.

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