Hey, bruh, I'm telling you,
this street shit ain't where it's at.
It's like every other day I'm hearing about someone
who looks just like me and you losing their life out here.
Yeah.
Even worse than that;
it's someone that looks just like us
that's doing the killing.
Twin, my cousin just got arrested
last week for murder.
See?
That's two young brothers lives lost.
Lemme grab this cooler.
Rinse this thing out.
Yeah, all right, let go.
You got it?
Hell, yeah.
Not to mention, 12 out here killing us like animals.
Yeah.
Ain't no jobs out here.
They gentrifying the hood.
Rent prices getting high.
Folks ain't got no choice but to hustle.
Yeah, selling poison to our own people.
Bro, I feel ya.
Social media has these young girls out here
looking up to strippers and popping pills.
Dig what I'm saying.
We so lit.
Yeah, for real.
We bad as fuck.
And the irony of it is,
we live in Atlanta.
Birthplace of M.L.K.,
cradle of the Civil Rights Movement.
I bet Dr. King is turning in his grave
over at the monument right now.
Looking at what we've become: savages.
I'm telling you,
that's why I'm just trying to stack my paper,
get this car, pay my way through college
and get out of these streets.
Once I get my degree in graphic design,
I'm gonna start my own company.
Become an entrepreneur.
Hell, I might even make it on the cover
of Black Enterprise one day!
This is my best friend, Dolo.
We've been thick as thieves ever since we were kids.
Boy, you sound crazy as hell.
Shit, I'm just trying stack enough money, a'ight,
grab that Hellcat and some fine bad bitch to ride shotgun.
Boy, that my American dream.
Shut the hell up!
Needless to say,
me and my boy view life different.
You wish!
Man. I'm telling y'all man. When I got goddamn leave here--
This is our squad.
Come on, man!
Like they can't tell me I can't walk-on, man.
Look at Jordan Nelson.
You right, you right.
This is Slim,
who was a star receiver at our school
with lots of scholarship offers
'til he got injured.
He was always talking about going to the league.
Santana Moss, goddamn, walk-on.
So you mean to tell me Slim can't walk-on, huh?
Them folk need me, man.
Look, but you do know,
Kap said the NFL was like a slave ship.
These folks only wanna see us with a gun,
a microphone or a ball in our hand.
This is Malcolm.
He's a conspiracy theorist
and card-holding Black Lives Matter member.
He literally keeps a membership card in his wallet.
Hey, Cuz!
You got to chill, bro. Chill!
You always talking all that militant stuff like... relax!
Get you a girlfriend.
And this our girl, Tee.
Yeah, she a girl who like girls but she one of the homies.
Always got our back and always makes us laugh.
You know I be all chilling,
you know I'll be chilling doing my thing or whatever.
That's because I get all the shawtys.
I got all the shawt-ays!
Ah, okay!
Vagina, what?
I'll hook you up.
Hey, what's up, y'all?
- Hey. - What's up?
Y'all ready to get you money?
- Hell, yeah. - I know that's right.
Hell you talking about?
You ain't said nothing but a word.
Let me explain to you the economics
of being a Waterboy.
Ice cold water!
You buy a cooler.
$16.98 at Walmart.
Save money. Live better.
You get a bag of ice. $4.
40 waters. $5.36 each.
See? It's not only water we're selling,
we're offering people an opportunity
to support the inner city kids
who are trying to do something positive.
Water! Water!
Ice cold water.
H2O, water!
Shit, man, let me get one of them.
One of 'em blue boys for you.
Oh, thank you. You need change?
Nah, keep the change.
- Appreciate you big, bro. - All right, young brother.
- All right, have a good day. - You too, buddy.
- Hey. - Keep the change, bro.
Appreciate you, Unc!
Water!
Get your water, water!
- Keep the change. - Appreciate ya, Aunt C!
Nice cold water, H20!
I got some ones from the strip club.
Hold on, let me--
You gonna help me out, big bro?
I'm gonna help you out.
Water!
- Come on, water. - It's hot out here.
Y'all need this water!
All right, so listen,
this is not about this water.
It's about you doing what you need to do with the money,
you hear me?
- Yeah. - All right.
Thank you. You need change?
I don't need change.
- Thank you. - Keep going, alright.
You have a good day.
Water! Water!
Get your water!
Attorney Crump?
How you doing, young king?
I'm good. How are you?
How may I help you today?
I'm just out here selling water.
Oh brother, you not just selling water,
you running your business.
This $60 is an investment in your future business.
We believe in you.
Thank you.
- Alright King. - H20!
We were constantly competing
for corners with other Waterboys and drug dealers.
This is Junior.
Him and his crew move different than us.
They pack guns, sell drugs, and behave like criminals.
Unfortunately, this was just the cost of doing business.
We had to watch our backs
anytime they was around.
They would be out here trapping in broad daylight.
And 12 wasn't doing nothing about it.
Ice cold water!
Auntie! We got some ice cold water!
Hey, bruh.
Ice cold water!
Give me some water, little nigga.
This is Lil Zoo,
the neighborhood drug dealer
and all around out goon.
Y'all boys out here working?
Selling!
What you got for me?
Ain't made nothing all day, man.
Oh he lying.
So you mean to tell me you out here all day,
you ain't make nothing?
Come on with my cut, man.
Quit playing, man.
I said what you got for me?
- Come on. - Look, he robbing 'em.
Run them pockets. For real?
Run them pockets.
Him and Zoo gang
run terror on these streets.
Yes, sir, we don't lie.
Ah, what?
- Yeah. - Yeah.
Hey, man, when you in the city of Atlanta,
make sure you checking in, man.
This big Zoo shit, for real!
Tell 'em, Juice.
Don't ever call me that.
And we got that fire on us. Mmm hmm.
Niggas ain't playing.
Ready to do it!
They were one of the most murderous gangs
in the whole city.
They were known for hitting licks
and killing folks.
Lil Zoo would never hesitate to bust his gun.
All these niggas out here,
y'all trying to fuck with us, man.
This my block, little bro.
You know I need in on everything.
Although Junior
and his crew was strapped,
they knew not to even try with Lil Zoo.
See what I'm saying?
Need in on that, too.
Hey, y'all.
Woo.
Let's do it.
How y'all doing today?
Doing fine,
especially now that you here, Miss Officer.
So when you gonna lemme take you on the date or something?
When you about 20 years older?
But then you'll be too old for me by then!
Oh you done tried it?
You know Black don't crack around here.
Yeah, I know.
So what about me?
You good, sweetie?
Yeah.
Yeah, I'm good.
All right.
Y'all be safe around here.
For sure.
Keep my eye on you.
Come on, let's get back to work.
Don't forget about our date.
What the hell we doing about Lil Zoo?
I ain't worried about it.
I keep telling y'all, we need a fire.
No, see, that's playing right into they hands, my brother.
If you live by the gun, you die by the gun.
Here he go with all that "my brother" shit.
Man, gone with all that.
What happen if it don't go right, though?
We do need some protection out here.
Man, no, we don't.
If we have a gun, it creates gun problems.
- And? - But look,
I'd rather be caught with it, than without it.
- Hell yeah. - Whatever!
Hey!
Selling water, bro.
Why we so gangster?
Water!
Cold water!
Mayor Thomas held a press conference
regarding the out of control street vendors
called The Waterboys.
You may have seen them on your local street corner
selling ice cold beverages.
But some say they have a much more sinister motive.
You may also recall
that 17-year-old Christopher Hearns
was slain over a minor dispute with a fellow Waterboy.
Here's what Mayor Thomas had to say.
Now we are all for young people
embracing the entrepreneurial spirit.
However, what will not be tolerated
is the mob-like mentality some young men have displayed.
There have been assaults,
car thefts
and unfortunately,
a teenager was killed.
Now my office and I,
we are working on resolutions to end this type of behavior.
- Hey, mama. - Hey!
How you doing?
I am tired.
Been out here working double shifts
and all I get in the mail is a stack of damn bills.
Where you get that from?
Selling water.
I told you, it's a good hustle.
A good hustle?
You know what I'm saying?
You don't have to do that.
Yes, I do.
I'm grown now and I need to do my part.
Oh, you grown now?
A couple little hairs on your face
don't make you grown, boy.
Oh. Oh.
You trying to play?
I almost got a full mustache.
Look.
I see a little something.
What you want for dinner?
You don't have to cook anything.
I'll make something.
You gonna cook?
Nnm-hmm.
No child of mine is going to bed on Top Ramen
and what's that you make?
Grilled cheese?
You trying to say I can't cook?
I didn't say that but I said what I said.
You like the food?
Of course. Thank you.
You know I've been thinking.
I'm getting real worried about you selling
that water on them corners.
I brought you out here from New York when you was a baby
to provide you with a safer environment.
Mom, look, there is no way I can make this kind of money
unless, what?
I get like an academic scholarship or something,
which is super rare.
I gotta stack my money up.
I know that.
But these corners are dangerous.
You know, I just read online about the little boy
who got shot selling water?
Well, there are a few bad seeds in the bunch.
Boy, don't be trying to use my quotes against me.
I promise you, I'll be safe.
College is my only way out.
It's ouronly way out.
- Outta where? - The trap.
The trap?
Does this--
Does this look like the trap to you?
Mom.
You should see where I grew up.
Mom, our house is nice,
but there are drug dealers that live right next door.
Boy, you've always been smart
and ambitious
and hard-headed, just like your father.
I just wish he could see you.
He would be so proud.
My ambitions are different though.
Yeah, I know that.
Excuse me.
My father was murdered
in the streets when I was young.
I never really dealt with his death.
The black community doesn't believe in therapy.
I'm sure I needed it.
My way of dealing with it was not talking about it,
which can't be healthy.
Hey, water for sale, now.
Please, stop.
I don't have any cash on me!
No cash?
Let's go.
Let's go. Let's go.
After this,
I knew it was going to be a hot summer.
Police are currently
on a citywide manhunt for a Waterboy who carjacked a woman
on the west side of Atlanta earlier today.
Hey.
Hey, ma!
You got some mail on the table.
"We regret to inform you
that your application has been denied."
Baby, don't even worry about that.
You know, things happen exactly the way they're supposed to.
And patience is key.
I know.
Yeah. It's frustrating.
I know.
You ever thought about applying to local colleges?
I really wanna go outta state.
And I really want you to stay home.
I wanna get us outta here.
At least outta this neighborhood.
Yeah, I know.
It's like ever since your father passed,
you became the man of the house.
Mmm-hmm. I had to.
Who else is gonna protect you?
"“Protect me"”?
I ain't no punk, now.
I can take care of myself.
You remember,
you remember Marvin?
Of course.
The only guy you dated since dad?
Yes. The only guy and the last guy.
Thank God!
Hey, you remember that time
y'all was arguing in your bedroom
and I was standing outside with the bat?
How could I forget?
Yeah, he was about to get it.
You were eight.
Yeah, but I had a cold swing.
You did!
I love you.
I love you too, mama.
You know, I was watching on the news
what happened to the Waterboys.
Ma, I told you. I'm good.
That stuff just really makes me afraid for you.
Remember what you told me?
What's that?
Fear and faith can't occupy the same space.
Yes but that doesn't mean you intentionally
go put yourself in harm's way.
Them corners is dangerous.
I'll be all right.
Will you just humor me
and try to get a job doing something else?
Okay.
Just try it.
It's hot as hell out here.
Hell, yeah.
I felt my mother's concerns
and decided I would give the job hunt one last try.
Do you have any experience in retail?
I don't, but I'm a quick learner.
Yes.
Positive attitude.
Do you have any experience in retail?
I like to shop.
Shopping.
Alright, so have you ever been convicted of a crime?
Absolutely not.
I try my best to avoid trouble at all times.
Yes!
Have you ever been convicted of a crime?
Hmm.
Lean in.
So, what would you consider a crime,
exactly?
That'll be all.
I get the job?
Um, no.
No.
Wait.
It's 'cause I'm Black?
- All right. - Thank you.
It looks like I've seen everything I need.
Congratulations. Welcome aboard.
Thank you.
Great. When do I start?
Next week, we're gonna start you off part-time
in the stock room.
The stock room?
I applied to be the cashier.
Oh I know.
But you know everyone starts off in the stock room.
It's a great learning experience.
And you'll start at $7.25 an hour, minimum wage.
$7.25?
Part-time?
That's like 150 bucks a week.
Math skills. That's good.
Yeah, I want you to take this
as a learning experience, okay?
Rome wasn't built in a day
and I myself started off in the stock room
and you know,
look at me now.
He offered me the job.
Oh, really?
Yeah! Minimum wage though.
In the stock room part-time.
$150 a week?
I can make that in a couple hours selling water.
You dig what I'm saying?
As opposed to making $30 a day
sweating in the stock room at Walmart,
I chose to stick to selling water.
Hey, look.
Shorty, she in my DMs, huh?
Talking 'bout, "Where you from?"
What you say?
Like ATL, Shorty.
Nigga, you from Gwinnett!
And what? Huh?
Everybody know Gwinnett is not Atlanta.
I'm ready to find out,
get y'all fucked up.
Who gonna fuck me up?
- Alright now. - Alright then.
You know the people throwing this party?
Hell, yeah.
Tyrone Christopher. That my boy.
Oh yeah, that my boy, man.
We use play ball together.
- That nigga was-- - Hell yeah.
Yeah, them baddies though.
Ain't gonna lie to you.
Shit, it's go time.
Hell yeah, for sure, goddamn.
Lemme have some gum.
Gotta brush my tongue, man.
I got you. I got you.
Your last stick of gum?
I ain't gonna lie.
Y'all better step y'all shit up
because I'm pulling everything walking
in that motherfucking, goddamn.
- Think about? - Yeah?
Is this something else to think about?
Hey now look, check this out.
Don't come in there with all that
Black Lives Matter talk, man.
We trying to party, you feel me?
Dang, that's it.
My brother, they gotta hear it just like y'all.
Whatever, man.
Goddamn, shit.
Woo!
If it's too wild in here, we gotta bounce.
Well, hold on.
What you mean by too wild though?
You know what I mean?
Y'all better come.
Oh, it's Shamika.
- That might be. - Back up for years.
Go ahead, then.
Excuse me, lady.
Dolo! What's good?
What's going on my boy?
- Good. Straight. - My boy.
What's good?
Shit, been a minute.
I mean, what you mean?
I see you on the ground all the time.
Yeah, yeah, you ain't know?
- Doing my thing. - Man, you right.
Shh.
Hey, listen, anyway.
We drink, man. Some smoke.
Pain pills, all that.
- Yo. - We turn up, man. Come on.
Shorty, what's going on?
As you can see, Bootie calls.
Y'all turn up for, you know.
Ah, don't play with that thang.
Let's go.
♪ Blah
♪ Means on the way
♪ Calling Coach K, he want play ♪
♪ Put me in the game
♪ Shoot you like I'm Ray
♪ Means on the way
♪ Might risk the day
♪ Means on the way, means on the way ♪
♪ Calling Coach K, he want to play ♪
♪ Put me in the game
♪ Shoot you like I'm Ray
♪ Means on the way
♪ We might get rich today
♪ Means on the way
♪ What's the ETA
See? This is what I meant.
What?
They doing way too much in here.
Man, I'm about to get.
Hey, hold on, hold on.
Chill, my boy.
Come on. Look.
Get you something to drink.
Time, mind, body, soul, slow all that down.
Time, float, relax. chill.
Tameka Blanks.
We went to high school together.
She was head cheerleader,
prom queen two years in a row and valedictorian.
Matter of fact, look, man.
There go that girl, Tameka, over there.
♪ Time to make a move, breaking news ♪
She already looking your way.
Go out there, my boy!
Yo.
♪ Hey girl
♪ It was West Lake School
♪ Yeah
♪ You know the vibes
♪ We was just kids
♪ But now we're full grown
♪ It's that time
♪ I just knew
♪ I had to say something
Hey.
You made that long dramatic walk over just to say "“hey"”?
Well, I was about to ask--
I'm just playing.
I'm Tameka.
Drew.
We went to Westlake together.
Right?
Oh yeah.
You look familiar.
No, I don't.
You're right, you don't.
So Drew, what's a nice guy like you
doing in a place like this?
I was about to ask you the same question.
I'm enjoying the vibes.
You wanna dance?
We can.
♪ I can't believe I'm feeling you ♪
♪ So anything you want to do, we can do ♪
♪ Now I break up with Evalina
♪ Cause I wanna be your lover
♪ Woe, down low, bring it back up ♪
♪ Go down low, bring it back up ♪
♪ You got me in my feelings, ba-bay, ba-bay ♪
♪ Your body's inviting ba-bay, ba-bay ♪
♪ You got me in my feelings, ba-bay, ba-bay ♪
♪ Your body's inviting, ba-bay, ba-bay ♪
I'm geeked up.
You already know, Cuz.
Hey, look!
Was pumped up.
He was talking about something.
Yeah.
I appreciate y'all for sliding through though, for real.
Shit, it all good, man.
I ain't gonna lie.
I pulled about three bad females in that thing.
I saw you.
What you do, Tee?
I got one.
Shamika.
Shamika, with the big bootie?
Hell yeah, you know it!
Ooh, you won?
Goddang!
I was actually able to get a couple of young brothers
and sisters to come to the next BLM meeting.
The fuck you talking about, man?
- I'm outta here. - Yeah.
I had a really good time tonight.
- Me, too. - You on IG?
Yeah. It's @DrewDraws.
That's cute.
Found it. You gonna follow me back?
- Yeah, I got you. - Okay.
What is it?
Oh, y'all gotta get the hell on, bro?
Y'all gotta go.
That boy come through tripping.
I know how they get down here.
Go on now!
See you later, Drew.
Y'all heard me!
Damn, you rude as hell, boy!
Get the hell up out of my house, boy.
- Dang! - Hey.
My boy in love, right? Hey, hey!
Look at you smile.
You got the digs? Jesus!
You know I did.
I got the digits.
Just be respectful.
You better hit!
Drew got a girlfriend.
That night,
we was texting till the sun came up.
Damn, shawty!
Ice, cold water. H20!
Water!
Boy, y'all sure we straight here?
After all the drama the other day?
We ain't got no choice.
Yeah, but y'all know how them fools be acting though.
Exactly why we need to get guns!
No, no, no.
Black on black crime is not the answer, my sister.
Let's get back to work.
- Nigga. - Yo.
I just wanna make sure we make it home.
Water! Water!
Get your water!
Here come them fools.
New day. Same drama.
Hey, bro.
Get that bust down, right?
What? We don't owe you no bust down.
This our water.
Nigga, this our corner. Ain't it?
Since when, Shorty?
Nigga, since now.
What you talking about?
Brothers, brothers, brothers.
- And sister! - And sister.
There's no need for all this?
Who are you?
I'm Sekou.
And this is Brittany.
We work for an organization called YEA.
We advocate for young men and women just like you.
Okay?
What y'all doing here?
We came out here to talk to you guys.
About what?
We want to adopt this corner
so that we can make this a safe environment
for you all to operate.
With all due respect, it's a jungle out here.
That's why we keep a stick.
Violence is not the answer, young brother.
Organizationis.
So what do you suggest?
How about you come to my office
and I can explain it to you?
Come on.
We're gonna hang out here
and observe you guys on this corner,
if you don't mind.
That's on you.
- Come on. - What's your name?
Drew.
Hopefully, I'll be seeing you soon, Drew.
I think it's a good idea.
You ain't really gonna call them is you?
I might.
Man, let's make some money.
You know, I got a date tonight with Tameka.
Hey!
Oh, that boy . Shorty!
Hell, yeah.
You better hit.
It's not always about hitting, Dolo!
The hell it ain't.
He better get up in that motherfucker.
Spread them cheeks and.
Tameka ain't like that.
She different, all right?
- Yeah. - Okay.
- Ehem. - Who are you, man?
♪ Yeah
Thanks for inviting me out.
You're welcome.
You nervous?
Who? Me?
Nah.
Why would I be nervous?
Hmm hmm?
But it's cool. I think it's cute.
- You do? - Mmm-hmm.
Well in that case, I'm hella nervous then!
You're different.
How so?
You're well-mannered,
insightful,
somebody raised you right.
That would be my mother.
Well your mother obviously is amazing.
She is.
And she's my best friend.
Aw, that's sweet.
What about your dad?
He was murdered when I was young.
I'm sorry.
Yeah, it's been rough,
but me and mom made it through.
So now that you're outta school, what are your plans?
Right now I'm just hustling,
saving money to get a car so I can go to college.
Hustling?
I don't date hustlers.
But not like that.
I sell water.
You mean like those guys that be out by the freeway?
Yeah.
Interesting.
Really?
Mmm-hmm.
I think it's pretty cool
that you guys are trying to do something positive.
I appreciate that.
So what about you,
Miss Valedictorian?
What about me?
What are your plans?
I don't know, um.
I got a couple options outta state,
but my parents want me to stay close to home.
My mom says the same thing.
Mamas...
You gonna finish your fries?
Thanks again for tonight.
You're welcome.
You're Tameka?
I'm your Uber driver, John.
That's my Uber.
How you get here?
I took the MARTA.
I only live like two stops away.
You welcome to hop in with me.
Nah, Buckhead is the opposite away from where I'm from.
I'll be straight.
Well, good night.
See you again?
Sure.
Ice cold water!
So how'd it go with Tameka last night.
You smash?
No, I didn't smash but it was lit.
Hmm, couldn't have been that lit if you ain't hit.
Whatever.
I told you, she isn't like that.
Cuz, they all like that.
You just ain't got no game, for real.
Anyway,
I think I'm gonna invite her to the 4th of July.
Mm.
Wait a minute.
You gonna introduce her to Ma-Duke?
Hell, yeah. Why not?
Never be mentioning nobody to Ma-Duke.
You know your mama don't be playing.
Remember that time she whooped me when we kids?
That shit not funny.
I'm not even her child.
You still coming to the party though, right?
Am I?
Of course, I'mma be there.
You know your mama's mac and cheese be busting, nigga?
- Hell, yeah. - Ice cold water!
I wonder if Tameka gonna like that mac and cheese.
Y'all gonna make mac and cheese noise?
Mac and cheese sound?
- Macaroni time? - Macaroni sound?
On God, man.
Your momma got this party busting, you hear me?
And she fine as hell?
Shole is.
Hey, hey, y'all better chill with all that.
Man, where Ma-Dukes keep the liquor at though?
We not even legal drinking age.
Bro, we is 18.
Which mean what?
- We grown. - Yeah.
That is not what that mean, Dolo.
Don't you know what alcohol does to your body?
Get you right on demon time.
Fuck you talking about?
Well, no one is gettin' right on demon time
here tonight.
What the hell wrong with you?
Why you acting like a bitch?
Nothing's wrong.
Mm?
Yeah!
I forgot!
You invited Shawty!
Yeah.
Now, where she at?
I don't want to talk about it.
Shawty stood you up?
She did not stand me up!
She just running late.
I mean, we been out here a couple hours and--
Seem like shawty might have stood you up my boy.
You feeling me?
She'll be here.
I mean no pressure though.
I won't.
I can put you on with church girl.
I was telling y'all about, yo.
Shawty is a freak.
Her goddamn sister, too.
Nah, I'm good.
Hey, sorry, I'm late.
Atlanta traffic.
I knew you were coming.
I wasn't tripping.
Psh. Yeah, you was!
Dolo!
Nice to finally meet you.
Finally?
Yeah, we went to high school together.
Really?
Yeah, we had junior high, high school.
Oh yeah, we had a couple classes.
- Oh. - Yeah.
So, you ain't got no fine ass friend, cousin, sister?
Nah.
Who look forever like--
Hey, relax!
Come over here.
I want you to meet my mom.
Hey.
Hi.
It's nice to meet you.
You too.
Mom. This is Tameka.
She's so pretty.
Thank you, ma'am.
Call me Rose.
Okay, thank you, Rose.
She's polite too.
She might be a keeper.
She's just a friend, mom.
- I told her. - Hmm hmm.
All right, well dinner's ready.
So y'all make sure to get some food.
Yes, ma'am.
- Yes, Rose. - Rose!
Your mom is nice.
Yeah, that's my girl.
♪ Don't be keeping
♪ So don't be keeping your love away from me ♪
♪ You got that type of love that's worth chasing ♪
♪ So when I call you up
♪ Don't send me to the voicemail ♪
♪ 'Cause baby I'm in need
Oh, shit.
What y'all got going on here?
I was sliding through the neighborhood.
I heard the music.
Shit, I decided to pull up.
Damn, you looking like a snack.
This a private party, bruh.
"“Bruh"”? I ain't your bruh.
This my city.
I go where the fuck I wanna go.
And you can't.
Boy, y'all better go on about y'all business.
- Oh, yeah? - Yeah.
- Or what? - Tsk.
Y'all better get the hell up out of my yard.
My fault, mama.
Don't play with me.
My bad.
Hmph.
Your mama more gangster than you, my boy!
I'm gonna catch you around.
We out.
Your mom is an amazing cook.
Hell yeah.
She be throwing down.
That mac and cheese?
I'm already know it.
What you doing?
Oh, nothing.
Yes, you are. Let me see.
Let me see.
Drew!
Oh my goodness.
This is a lit.
You think so?
Yes.
Where did you learn how to do this?
I've been drawing my whole life.
I think it was an outlet
for a lot of things I've been through.
And you created all of this on your iPad?
Yes.
Wow.
I'm cute.
Could you send me this?
I would love to post it on IG.
Well, I don't really like--
Please!
Fine.
I'm posting it and tagging you in it.
No you don't--
Too late.
You didn't have to do that.
I know.
I wanted to.
Excuse y'all.
Y'all might wanna save that for later
and come in here and get some of this peach cobbler.
- Mom! - Mmm-hmm.
Mmm-hmm.
Boy, you better keep that thing in your pants.
I ain't trying to be no grandma.
- Mom. Relax. - Go.
- For real? - Hell, yeah.
Hey, Shawty wanna fuck?
Man, she don't wanna fuck.
Man.
Shawty wanna fuck!
Shit, but bruh.
Why the hell you got us going to this lame ass meeting?
We out there making some money!
Dude.
They said they would cover our inventory for today
if we came down.
- Shit, they better. - Chill.
So listen, we brought you young brothers here today
to help you organize.
"“Organize"”?
We don't need no organization.
Come on, let go.
Bro, let's hears what they gotta say.
- They gonna pay us. - Bro, fuck this.
Guys, knock it off!
Right now, community groups are meeting
with the mayor behind closed doors,
trying to figure out a way to shut you guys down.
"“Shut us down"”? For what?
The problems that's been the occurring
between some of you has people alarmed.
Look, I ain't come her for no lecture, OG.
So y'all gonna pay for our inventory or what?
We will,
but we need you guys to adhere to certain guidelines
and behavior.
I'm out. I'm not staying here.
- Bro, stay. - Brother.
Just stay, bro. Come on.
Please. Just hear us out, man.
We're not your enemy.
Twin, they ride, bro.
I'm not understanding what they talking about?
Nah, I wanna hear them out.
You for real, bro?
Yeah!
Let's see what they gotta say!
So here's what we propose.
Bruh, uniform, bruh?
These folks for real?
Bro, I mean we have to do somethingdifferent.
These corners are getting more and more dangerous.
And that's why I told you we needed a stick, bro.
Bro, I told you too many times.
We're not getting guns.
And who the hell put you in charge anyway?
Man, I won't be doing business with anyonecarrying guns.
Oh, is that right?
That's right.
It's hotter than the devil out here, man.
Get your water!
I gotta admit,
Sekou and Brittany's presence
seem to cool attention for a minute.
But for how long though?
Water!
Bro, we look dumb as hell out here.
No, we don't. Sekou's right.
If we are going to be businessmen,
we need to dress like businessmen.
Man, we ain't dressing like no businessman!
We look like we gonna sell Girl Scout cookies.
Bruh, they laughing at us too!
Water!
- Who cares? - I do, Cuz!
Goddamn, we ain't trying to passed the third grade.
We just selling water.
Look like line leaders.
♪ There they go, there they go
♪ They killing
Come on, y'all.
Let's get back to work.
- Water! - Water!
Water!
Water, water, get your water!
Lemme get two waters, young blood.
Sure thing.
I'm curious, man.
How much--
How much do you make on the average out here?
Heh, it could be anywhere between three and 500.
It just depends.
It would've took me a month
to make that on my paper route when I was your age.
It's a grind, you know?
Look man, I love that entrepreneurial spirit.
Why don't you uh,
stop by my print shop?
Curious to hear more about you, your plans for the future.
Hey, I don't have change for this.
Ah, don't worry about that.
Thank you, big bro.
Have a blessed day.
You too.
Hey.
And you see how people respond different
when you come dressed for the job?
Yes.
So we're heading back to the office.
You guys gonna be okay out here?
Of course.
Okay. Alright, cool.
Back to work.
All y'all sure y'all need anything,
just call me, all right?
All right.
Yeah.
Oh, hell nah.
Look at them fools coming.
Now, check this out.
I'm tired of y'all.
Y'all need pack y'all shit up.
Put your waters in your cooler.
Y'all need to get the fuck up outta here.
I'm tired of y'all for real.
Hey, we don't want no problems.
Nigga, I know you don't want no problems.
Shit, I do!
Y'all folks gonna check coming over here big boy.
Do something about it.
He gotta gun!
What the fuck, man?
That's it!
We're getting strapped tonight!
Hell yeah.
No! We don't.
So what then? Huh?
What, Drew? What are we doing?
We supposed to run like girls
every time they wanna open on us?
That what we doing?
I don't know, man.
Nah, next time,
it's them or it's me.
Them or me?
Believe that!
Today on the West side of Atlanta,
police were called to the scene of a shooting
involving Waterboys.
Witnesses say there was an altercation
between two rival groups of Waterboys.
That's when shots rang out.
The entire scene was captured on cell phone footage.
Citizens continue to pressure
the mayor's office to take action.
More on the story at 11.
Oh, my God! What happened?
What happened?
Let me look at you.
What happened?
I'm fine.
You gotta stop selling water!
What else am I gonna do?
There is no other choice for a young black man
without no degree.
And I can't buy a car
and I gotta pay for my way through college
with some minimum wage job?
It's just too dangerous.
Life is dangerous.
If I'm gonna die,
I'd rather die doing something with my life.
Deep down inside. I knew she was right.
- Hey, man. - Hey!
Thanks for coming down to chat.
- Thanks for having me. - Yeah, yeah.
You know what, lemme give you a tour record, all right?
It was crazy,
but I grew up in the projects
a mile and a half away from here.
Now this is what I see.
So what's going on in your world right now?
Things could be better.
Why you say that?
These corners are getting dangerous, man.
It's like we starting to deal
with the same type of drama we would have
if we were selling drugs.
Yeah, I heard about that shooting on the news.
Yeah, that was me.
Doing the shooting?
No! No, getting shot at.
Drew, what is your end game, man?
What do you mean?
I mean,
what do you wanna get outta selling this water?
I'm just trying to save enough money to get a car
so I can enroll in college.
- What you wanna study? - Graphic design.
- So you draw? - Yeah.
You know how to use a computer?
I know how to use my iPad and my iPhone.
No, I mean a realcomputer.
No, but look at some of the stuff I've done on my phone.
Oh, wow.
Dang, bro, this you?
This is impressive!
Thank you.
Well look, I got a graphic design department here.
Now my internship program is a little bit full,
but a lot of the kids are going home for the summer.
Why don't you fill out an application?
I'll put yours on top of the pile.
I will. Thank you!
So have you considered
going to any of the local colleges?
Nah, I want to go outta state, you know,
see something different.
Well if you reconsider,
just know I got a little sway around these parts, all right.
Okay, I'll keep that in mind.
Alright, well lemme go back into this office, brother.
But please make me one promise, Drew.
Promise me you're gonna be safe on these streets, brother.
I will.
Alright, man.
Talk to you!
In response to the recent violence
surrounding Waterboys,
the mayor has ordered a citywide crackdown.
The mayor finally took action
to try to shut us down.
We will not tolerate these thugs
fronting as entrepreneurs terrorizing our street corners.
Therefore, I have called
an immediate crackdown on the So-called Waterboys.
If they do not have a vendor's license
or behave accordingly,
they will not be allowed to sell waters on these corners.
We didn't even do nothing!
- Chill. - What the fuck?
Wait, hold on, hold on!
Hold on.
I know these kids.
I'm gonna give them a ride home
and give them a nice stern talking to.
Get in!
You guys gonna have to find something else to do.
Like what?
Sell drugs?
There is nothing else out here for us.
Nothing.
Why you think they call it the trap?
Once you there,
there ain't no out.
I would think the police
would much rather have us out here selling water
than kicking in folks' doors.
Look, I totally understand that.
But with all the drama surrounding the Waterboys,
it's gonna be nearly impossible
for y'all to continue to operate,
at least within Atlanta City limits.
Don't 12 have better shit to worry about?
Like all the violence in the city.
This is Atlanta!
I promise you these little incident with us,
that ain't nothing compared
to what really going on out here!
This is true.
But once members of the community
start flooding the mayor's office with complaints,
he hasto do something.
He's a publicly elected official,
therefore, he must serve the people.
Serve the people, huh?
What people?
Where these people from?
What these people look like?
Because it sure enough don't feel like
he here to serve us.
Listen, I have a teenage nephew.
So I understand what you guys are up against.
You are two smart, ambitious young men.
So I'm sure y'all figure something out.
Think about what I said, all right?
Be careful.
We didn't have no choice
but to keep selling water.
We just had to find another corner to stand on.
Good H20! Get your water!
Hey, see, I told you we would be straight.
I guess you were right.
Ain't no competition out here
and business is booming.
Y'all gotta listen to your boy sometime,
Bro, whatever.
Water!
The--
fuck?
Grift don't know y'all.
Y'all got something?
What you doing here?
Shit, making money.
What it look like?
You wanna hold something, hold up.
I got you.
I got you for sure.
Hmm.
Buy yourself something nice.
Grift don't need your money.
This my corner.
Grift want my corner back.
Your corner?
Boy, you homeless.
You ain't got no corner!
Yeah?
Nigga, I am Atlanta.
Matter of fact, give me this money back.
Gimme allyour goddamn money.
Hey, whoa! Calm down.
We ain't gotta do this.
Bro, we ain't giving you shit.
Matter fact, back your stupid ass up
before I pop your ass out here.
Yeah?
Grift don't want no problem.
Yeah, I know you don't.
So beat it then, nigga.
Go on.
Yeah.
Boy, I told y'all we need that straw.
Where the fuck did you get that?
Don't worry about it.
We do not need a gun out here!
Like hell.
You gotta get rid of that!
No, I don't.
Man, y'all tripping.
Y'all saw what just happened.
We need that fire.
Then we can't be in business no more.
Fine.
Now I'm gonna find my own block to stand on.
Cool.
You know, I can't believe you acting like a bitch!
When I just saved us.
Yeah.
Me!
Always saving you.
And for what?
Y'all feel the same way?
Nah, I'm with you.
My dog.
Now let's see how I make some money without your boy.
Let's get back to work, bro.
Come on, let's get back to work.
Water!
- Water. - Water!
- Get your good H2O! - Water.
Get your water!
That night,
I couldn't stop thinking about what happened
between me and Dolo.
Water!
Water, get your good H2O.
Come bro, you look dehydrated.
Get you some H2O!
Water?
Water.
When I told him
I was gonna get my own corner to stand on,
bet they never thought it'd be across the street.
Water!
What's happening?
You that same little nigga from the party the other night,
ain't it?
Ain't this the little brother
from the party that was talking that shit?
Mmm-hmm.
You so hard now, little nigga.
Matter of fact, run them pockets, little nigga.
Run them pockets.
I said run them pockets!
Mmm-hmm.
And I'm gonna need a water, too.
Hmm hmm.
Hell nah.
Say what?
Back up.
Get your little ass back before you be next.
I told you to gimme a water, little nigga.
No!
Come on, bro!
Keep breathing, bro!
Somebody get help!
- Please! - Keep breathing, bro.
I never felt so much rage in my life.
I wanted blood.
Baby, you home?
I had to work late so it's no dinner.
But we could order something.
Whoa! Whoa, whoa.
What are you doing?
What happened?
They killed Dolo!
Who?
The dude,
the dude who showed up to the party!
I see, I see.
And what do you plan on doing with that?
Baby, no.
Killing somebody is not gonna bring your friend back.
It's only gonna cause another black woman to grieve.
I know that you're hurt
and you have every right to be,
but violence only begets more violence!
I cannot and will not watch you throw your life away
in a fit of rage.
You are the only thing I got left.
All right, all right, all right.
Now just calm down.
Let me take the gun
and let's talk about this.
Let's just talk about it.
It's gonna be all right.
I'm so sorry.
He's gone.
I know. I know.
I'm sorry.
It's a sad day for our city,
our community,
our church,
and our family.
But you must remember that you are not alone.
And Matthew 11:28 says,
"Come to me,
all of you that are weary
and carry heavy burdens,
and I will give you rest.
Take my yoke upon you.
Let me teach you
because I am humble and gentle at heart."
And you will find rest for your souls.
For my yoke is easy to bear.
And the burden that I give to you is light."
Amen?
Amen.
Now, brother VaShawn Mitchell
is going to sing a wonderful hymn for you guys.
And as he sings, we can say our final goodbyes
to this young man,
gone way too soon.
Greetings, family and friends.
I just wanna let you know that it won't always be like this.
It's turning around for you.
♪ Sometimes discouraged
♪ But not defeated
♪ Cast down
♪ But not destroyed
♪ There are times I
♪ Don't understand
♪ But I believe
♪ It's turning around for me
♪ All the troubles
♪ And disappointment
♪ There are times I
♪ Felt so alone
♪ Some of my friends, they
♪ Let me down
♪ But I still believe
♪ It's turning around for me
♪ Around for me
♪ It's turning around for me
♪ Around for me
♪ Can you just say it into the atmosphere ♪
♪ Around for me
♪ It's turning around
♪ It's turning around for me
♪ God is making a way
♪ A change is coming one day
♪ God is making a way
♪ A change is coming for me
♪ If I stay strong
♪ If I stand strong
♪ There's no reason to doubt
My bad about your loss.
Damn, he was a good little dude.
You know this gun violence gotta stop between us, bro.
Drew, no, no, no!
- Drew, Drew, no, no! - Chill out.
Brothers!
Hold on, bro, chill out.
Chill out, chill out, chill out.
I'm just paying my respect.
Get off me, bro!
Not in the house of the Lord!
Just sit down.
I'm gonna keep on selling water.
Baby.
You don't have to make that decision right now.
I do.
I gotta finish what I started.
Please think about this, Drew!
Lil Zoo is still out there.
- I don't care! - I do.
Now, I lost your father to the streets.
I'm not about to lose you too.
I gotta do this for Dolo.
Well, just promise me one thing then:
that you'll let me know where you're at at all times.
I will.
And most importantly,
promise me that
you'll always make it home safe.
I promise.
Okay.
That day,
I lost my best friend in the whole world.
I didn't know if I can carry on without him,
but I knew I had to.
Let me get a couple of bottles of water off you,
young fella!
Hey, Mr. Williams!
How you find me here?
Your address was on the application.
Your mother told me I might find you here.
Figured.
Why don't you jump in the car, man?
We can have some lunch.
I got some real good news you might want to hear.
Heard about your friend, Drew,
and I'm sorry for your loss.
Thanks.
How you been holding up?
It's been rough,
but I've been making it through.
Yeah, I'm sure.
But look, I didn't come to talk about that.
I actually came to give you some good news.
Oh yeah?
What is it?
A summer internship opened up in my office.
Really?
Yeah and it's a paid position.
You'd be working in the graphics department.
Are you serious?
Does it look like I'm joking?
Nah.
Thank you so much, Mr. Williams!
Ah, it's no problem.
Man, you're welcome.
You know, man, you remind me so much of myself
when I was your age.
Single mother, big dreams, very, very little resources.
But I found my way
and I never took no for an answer.
You got that same spirit.
- I appreciate it. - Yeah.
And I got another surprise for you.
So finish on up.
We can go back to my office.
So me and a few of my business partners,
we got together,
pitched in,
got you a car.
Woo. Hey, for me?
Yeah, for you!
Look, it's not a Maserati, all right?
But it'll get you from work to home every day.
Thank you.
Mr. Williams! Charles!
How will I ever repay you for this?
You repay me by being good yourself.
- I got you. - Yeah. Yeah.
Where the keys?
You gotta get your license first, all right.
Then I give you the keys.
Now come on.
Lemme show you the car real quick, man.
I got you. Easy.
Just like that,
everything changed for me.
I passed my driver's test.
I was a standout employee at Mr. Williams' company.
Not too long after that,
the police arrested Lil Zoo for Dolo's murder.
I took Charles Williams' advice
and applied to a local college.
Tameka decided to stay in Atlanta
and got accepted to the same college.
Despite the continued violent incidents
amongst Atlanta's Waterboys,
they are still in business with no end in sight.
As you can see, we are here near a local college campus
where they have set up shop.
First day of class.
How you feel?
I mean, this is the moment I've been waiting
for my entire life.
I'm happy for you.
Thank you.
What about you, Miss. Valedictorian?
Well, you know--
Don't get too much of a big head now.
You the one with the big head.
- Literally. - Yeah. Whatever.
I'm proud of you.
- I love you. - I love you, too.