Jay Z to bring the heartbreaking story of Kalief Browder to TV

Jay Z is bringing the story of a young man who spent three years in prison without being convicted of a crime to TV with a six-part series.

TheGrio Staff

Oct 7, 2016

Jay Z is bringing the heartbreaking story of a young man who spent three years on Riker’s Island without ever being convicted of a crime to television with a six-part series called “Time: The Kalief Browder Story.”

Spike and Weinstein Co. are teaming up with Jay Z to bring the tragic tale to life, with interviews, first-person accounts, archival footage and recreations featured in telling the story of the 16-year-old who was in jail for three years, two of which were spent in solitary. His case never went to trial, and the charges against him were eventually dropped.

“Kalief Browder is a modern-day prophet, his story a failure of the judicial process,” Jay Z said of the decision to tell Browder’s story. “A young man — and I emphasize young man — who lost his life because of a broken system. His tragedy has brought atrocities to light, and now we must confront the issues and events that occurred so other young men can have a chance at justice.”

“Jay Z, Kevin Kay, Sharon Levy and the entire team at Spike have been incredible partners on this project. What happened to Kalief is heartbreaking but sadly, in reality, not the first of its kind,” TWC co-chairman Harvey Weinstein said. “This series will take an important look at why Kalief’s life was cut so short, the flaws in our justice system and hopefully will continue some powerful conversations and movements for some much needed reform.”