’12 Years a Slave’ sparks discussion on slavery on ‘Melissa Harris-Perry Show’

• Share on Facebook
• Share on Twitter
• Share via Email
• Copy Link

  Link Copied

The new film 12 Years a Slave opened in select cities Friday and rode a wave of stellar reviews to an impressive $50,526 per theater gross.

The film addresses the nation’s history of slavery and tells the harrowing story of Solomon Northup (played by Chiwetel Ejiofor), a free man who was kidnapped and forced into bondage.

While the movie has earned critical acclaim for its script and performances, it is historically significant for being the first Hollywood movie about slavery directed by an African-American, Steve McQueen.

On Sunday’s episode of Melissa Harris-Perry, the show’s host invited guest panelists, including theGrio’s Joy Reid, to discuss the power of the film and the discussion it can inspire on the institution of slavery.

Watch the video clip above.

Follow Lilly Workneh on Twitter @Lilly_Works