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Deep Dive: The Rachel Divide (2018)

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The Rachel Divide
The Rachel Divide is a documentary about Rachel Dolezal, an American woman of white parentage who identifies as black. The film covers her rise as president of the NAACP chapter in Spokane, Washington, and the subsequent scandal that led to her resignation on June 15, 2015, after her true racial background was revealed. Directed by Laura Brownson, the film includes insights from Dolezal's family and examines the implications of her identity claims. The documentary also addresses Dolezal's upbringing, including allegations of abuse from her parents and her claims of neglect regarding her adopted siblings' racial education. It features interviews with Dolezal and her children, providing a personal view of her life and the controversies surrounding her identity. The film received mixed reviews, with critics discussing the complexities of Dolezal's situation and the broader societal implications of her actions.

Why Watch

  • •Meet Rachel Dolezal, a controversial figure in race discussions.
  • •See the impact of identity on personal and professional life.
  • •Find out about Dolezal's family dynamics and their effects.

Did You Know

•Rachel Dolezal was president of the NAACP in Spokane from February 7, 2014, to June 15, 2015.
•Dolezal's brother, Joshua, tipped off journalists about her racial identity.
•Dolezal's parents publicly stated she was a white woman passing for black.
•Esther Dolezal, Rachel's sister, claims their parents physically abused her.
•The film has a 72% score on Rotten Tomatoes based on 25 reviews.

Perfect For

Race and identityDocumentary enthusiastsSocial justice discussions