A Broken Promise in Texas: Race, the Death Penalty and the Duane Buck

An 11-minute advocacy film. Color. 2016.

Duane Buck was sentenced to death in Harris County (Houston), Texas, after his trial prosecutor elicited testimony from a psychologist indicating that Mr. Buck was more likely to be dangerous because he is Black. A Broken Promise in Texas contains powerful, never-before-seen interviews with Texas civil rights leaders, elected politicians, the surviving victim in the Buck case, one of Mr. Buck’s trial prosecutors and Mr. Buck’s family members, among others, calling for a new, fair sentencing hearing. The video’s release comes at a critical juncture, as Mr. Buck may soon be at risk of execution: the Texas Court of Criminal Appeals is currently considering Mr. Buck’s appeal for a new sentencing hearing and the Court is expected to rule in the coming weeks. Produced with the NAACP LDF. Visit their website for more information on the case.