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BLM Co-Founder Debuts Homeless Youth Documentary as Trump Sweeps Encampments in DC

September 5, 2025

"Close to Home," a new documentary executive-produced by Black Lives Matter co-founder Patrisse Cullors, showcases homeless Los Angeles youth advocating for a care-first approach to housing vulnerable young people. The 30-minute film, directed by Whitney Skauge, follows four youth leaders from LA Emissary, an organization working to influence policies affecting young, LGBTQ+, and homeless populations in Los Angeles County. The documentary's festival debut coincided with President Trump's removal of homeless encampments in Washington D.C., highlighting the contrast between punitive approaches and the film's humanizing perspective.

Who is affected

  • Homeless youth in Los Angeles County
  • LGBTQ+ homeless individuals
  • Youth leaders at LA Emissary, including 21-year-old Detrell Harrell
  • Homeless populations facing crackdowns and National Guard deployments in American cities
  • Young people who have been failed by child welfare, public housing, healthcare, and education systems

What action is being taken

  • LA Emissary is working to influence funding, policy, and systems changes to impact young, LGBTQ+, and homeless populations
  • The documentary "Close to Home" is currently screening through the Seattle Film Festival
  • The film is available in 135 countries until September 7 via the festival's online platform, EOFlix
  • Patrisse Cullors is continuing her work in arts and activism through her company Abolitionist Entertainment LLC

Why it matters

  • The documentary provides a platform for homeless youth to share their stories and humanity
  • It presents a care-first, solutions-driven alternative to punitive approaches to homelessness
  • The film highlights systemic failures in child welfare, public housing, healthcare, and education that contribute to youth homelessness
  • The timing creates a stark contrast with current federal responses to homelessness
  • Los Angeles has one of the nation's highest populations of unhoused youth

What's next

  • No explicit next steps stated in the article

Read full article from source: The San Diego Voice & Viewpoint