Small Axe: Mangrove 2020

Frank Crichlow, a Trinidadian immigrant, embarks on an ambitious journey to establish his restaurant, the Mangrove, in the vibrant neighborhood of Notting Hill during the late 1960s, a community predominantly shaped by Caribbean immigrants. On the night of the grand opening, Constable Frank Pulley observes the festivities, remarking to a colleague that Black people need to be kept in their place.

As the evening unfolds and the restaurant closes, Pulley aggressively accosts Crichlow, unjustly accusing him of operating a haven for drug dealers, gamblers, and prostitutes. This confrontation sparks a series of violent police raids on the Mangrove, pushing Crichlow into dire financial straits.

In a show of solidarity, the local community rallies around the Mangrove, organizing a march to protest the aggressive tactics employed by the police. Tensions rise as officers encircle the demonstrators, instigating violence. Several protesters, including Frank Crichlow, activist Barbara Beese, and Trinidadian Black Panther leader Altheia Jones-LeCointe, find themselves facing minor charges, as well as their companions Darcus Howe, Rhodan Gordon, Anthony Carlisle Innis, Rothwell Kentish, Rupert Boyce, and Godfrey Millett. This incident leads to the formation of the Mangrove Nine, who are later charged with serious offenses such as riot and affray.

At the trial in 1970, the Mangrove Nine boldly bring issues of race into focus, advocating for an all-Black jury. However, their request is denied by Judge Edward Clarke without justification. The atmosphere in the courtroom grows tense as the defendants challenge the exclusion of Black jurors while the prosecution reciprocates by excluding White jurors. Throughout the proceedings, the judge exhibits clear bias in favor of the prosecution. Defenders Jones-LeCointe and Howe, representing themselves, expertly dismantle Pulley’s testimony, exposing inconsistencies and flaws in evidence presented.

During the tumultuous hearings, Pulley is caught attempting to coach a fellow officer on the stand, leading to his removal from the courtroom. In a moment of poignant defiance, Beese disrupts the proceedings by chanting, “the officer has nothing to do with the case,” prompting the courtroom to erupt in support of her stance. Judge Clarke responds with stern reprimands, resulting in Crichlow and Howe being forcibly taken to solitary confinement for their outbursts. Following objections made by their legal counsel against the harsh treatment, the judge ultimately decides to replace the court officers overseeing the proceedings.

At a crossroads, Crichlow is advised by his counsel, Mr. Croft, to plead guilty and distance himself from his co-defendants. However, moved by Jones-LeCointe’s declaration of her pregnancy, he chooses to plead not guilty. The jury’s decision brings relief as they acquit Crichlow, Howe, and two others, while the remaining defendants receive lenient sentences despite the judge’s acknowledgment of evidence pointing to racism from both sides.