Whitewash (1994 film)

Whitewash is a 1994 television special and animated short film that was based on a true story. The program was produced and directed by Michael Sporn with a screenplay by Ntozake Shange. Ruby Dee and Linda Lavin provide voices for the animated characters.

Plot

The family special, based on a true story, uses animation to tell the story of a little African-American girl's encounter with mindless racism. On their way home from school, Helene and her brother are attacked by a group of white thugs who beat him up and spray-paint her face white. Why would anyone do this? With her wise grandmother's help, Helene is able to get over her hurt.

Cast

Ruby Dee as Grandmother
Serena Henry as Helene Angel
Ndehru Roberts as Mauricio
Linda Lavin as Ms. Steinberg
Danielle Robinson as Naomi
Randy Kaplan as Ronnie
Matthew Jacobson as George
Travis DeLingua as Tim
Ashanti Williams as Rafael
Winnie Zhang as Lorie
Meredith Rosco as Mary
Robert Felice as Jeff Ciolla
Michael McGruther as Shades
Tommy O'Connor as Ox
Joel Briel as Police Inspector
Sue Perrotto as Police Officer
Jay Aubrey Jones, Ed Askinazi and Heidi Stallings as Reporters