About This Event

The documentary “When Liberty Burns” highlights the life and death of Arthur L. McDuffie. On Dec. 17, 1979, after he failed to stop for a traffic light, police officers gave chase. After realizing he could not escape, McDuffie surrendered. He was beaten until he lost consciousness. That beating by multiple officers caused his death. Acquittal of the offending officers, charged in the murder sparked a civil disturbance in Miami’s urban core. The “McDuffie Riots” ultimately changed Miami-Dade County and became a symbol of the city’s struggle to contend with race relations and its sordid history during the Jim Crow era.

The documentary engages family members and friends of Arthur McDuffie, lead detectives, eyewitnesses, historians and contemporary community activists in interviews, chronicling McDuffie’s life and his rich relationships with his family and his community. “When Liberty Burns” also examines the context in which Miami developed during this country’s Jim Crow era and traces the dynamics of race relations in the city while also managing increasingly diverse ethnic populations, growth and change.

May 25, 2021 will mark one year since George Floyd was killed while in police custody. Remembering Arthur L. McDuffie, Breonna Taylor, George Floyd, Daunte Wright and countless others. #saytheirnames

Who Should Attend

The Screening is free and open to the public. While there is no ticket cost, you will need to register to reserve your spot due to limited seating. Be sure to join us from 2:00 p.m. to 3:30 p.m. at the Community ACCESS Event taking place on the Plaza of the Black Archives Historic Lyric Theater prior to the screening. There will be food vendors, access to health screenings, etc. at no cost to those who attend.

Masks are required to be worn at all times.