Racist Roots

The Center for Death Penalty Litigation is a North Carolina based non-profit organization committed to the abolition of the death penalty in their state. The organization came to us with an ambitious project to create a film they could share with supporters, like-minded institutions and elected officials.

We were given access to the writings archived on their website racistroots.org and and testimonials of individuals exonerated from North Carolina’s death row. Our task was to stitch together a compelling narrative of this important story. We chose illustration as an ownable visual asset to help weave this piece of history together. Focusing on the analogy of the seed of racism from which an evil tree has grown and the branches of the death penalty continue to flourish.

Creative Director: Calvin Lyte
Directed by: Akili Brown
Art Direction: Geronna Lewis-Lyte
Illustration: Markita Miler
Music & Sound: Taj Brown
Motion Graphics: Goodwiggle Studios
Production Studios: Paper plus Rocket & The Universal Fresh