Watch Radical Brownies

Radical Brownies is a documentary film released in 2017 that revolves around a group of young girls who form a social justice-oriented organization known as the Radical Brownies. The documentary follows the group's co-founders, Marilyn Hollinquest, and Anayvette Martinez, as they start the group to empower young girls of color in Oakland, California.

The Radical Brownies is an organization that focuses on issues such as LGBTQ rights, Black Lives Matter, and gender equality through various badges, just like the Scouts. However, the group aims to provide a more inclusive and diverse environment by centering its values on girl-led, progressive activism. The Radical Brownies' main goal is to teach young girls about social justice issues and create a safe space for them to express themselves.

The documentary opens with a powerful introduction that sets the tone for the rest of the film. It features a group of young girls dressed in brown uniforms, welcoming the audience to their organization. The film establishes early on that the Radical Brownies are a representation of the need for young girls of color to have a supportive and encouraging environment where they can learn and express themselves.

As the film progresses, the co-founders, Marilyn and Anayvette, describe their experience growing up as girls of color in Oakland and how they always felt that there was no space for them to grow and express themselves fully. They express their desire to create an organization that could provide the space and safety that they needed as children.

Throughout the film, we witness the Radical Brownies engage in different activities, including protests, meetings, and badge-earning activities, all designed to teach girls how to become active in their communities and fight against social injustices.

One of the most memorable scenes in the documentary is when the girls attend a protest against police brutality. The girls are seen holding signs and leading chants, and their voices can be heard, demanding justice for the victims of police brutality. It is a visually powerful scene that highlights the girls' passion and commitment to social justice issues.

As the documentary progresses, the group faces criticism, mostly from people who see the group's focus on social justice as too political for young girls. However, the co-founders stand firm in their beliefs, and their commitment to providing a safe space for young girls of color never wavers.

The documentary also highlights some of the individual stories of the girls in the group. The audience is introduced to some of the girls, and their experiences show the impact of the Radical Brownies on their lives. The girls express their desire to create change and make their voices heard.

One of the strengths of the documentary is how it captures the innocence of the girls while also providing depth in their understanding of social justice issues. The viewer is left feeling inspired by the girls' commitment to change and motivated to do their part in creating a better future.

In conclusion, Radical Brownies is a powerful documentary that highlights the importance of creating safe and supportive spaces for young girls of color. It showcases the potential of young girls to become powerful agents of change and inspires the viewer to take action in their communities. The Radical Brownies are proof that activism starts at a young age, and it is never too early to start making a difference.