Priority Mail is a short documentary film that explores systemic disparities in resources among Chicago communities. In the course of the film, community members, allies, and leaders discuss the shortage of resources in the predominantly Black and neglected community of West Garfield Park, as evidenced by data on a mural in the heart of the community.

To demonstrate the disparity in postal infrastructure (i.e. a shortage of mailboxes), the group marches together to the nearest post office to mail an important letter. The letter — as announced by U.S. Representative Danny Davis — is addressed to the White House, proposing an important idea:  A voluntary Juneteenth Reparations Fund, through which those paid for the federal Juneteenth holiday could opt to donate all or part of their paychecks to a national reparations fund to bring resources to Black communities. These funds would augment and accelerate efforts by community organizations.

In this way, the federal holiday will be an agent of change for our communities, bringing results such as jobs, schools, supermarkets, and banks — avenues to enhanced life outcomes and generational wealth-building.

LINK TO TRAILER