THE AFRICAN AMERICAN EXPERIENCE IN THE US CAPITAL.

The paper focuses on the grim realities of black criminality in D.C. ghettoes. The two films chosen, Slam (1998) and Streetwise (1998) provide a portrayal of Washington as a ‗murder capital' of the US in the 1990s. The analysis will highlight the devastating effects of the crack cocaine consumption and commerce especially within the African American communities who try to overcome poverty by taking part in the thriving business of drug dealing. The films also highlight this urban black youth's talent and passion for poetry and music that, although hampered by their social background, are practiced by them as their means of survival. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]