The life story of TGRG client, Dr Leroy Logan MBE, is to be immortalised on the small screen as an episode of Steve McQueen’s five-part drama series, Small Axe this December.
Played by Star Wars actor John Boyega, Red, White and Blue explores the first few years of Leroy’s journey into the force. His decision to join comes after his father is brutally assaulted by two policemen. He is propelled by his calling to change the institution from the inside. Red, White and Blue explores the challenges of being a Black police officer in the 80s .
Small Axe comes hot on the heels of Leroy’s debut book, Closing Ranks, which documents his career over a thirty year period.
On the entire Small Axe series, Steve McQueen says: “I felt these stories needed to be shared. I wanted to re-live, re-evaluate and investigate the journeys that my parents and the first generation of West Indians went on to deliver me here today calling myself a Black British person. What’s important about our stories is that they are local but at the same time global. I think audiences will identify with the trials, tribulations and joy of our characters as well as reflecting on the present environment in which we find ourselves. The dynamic nature of the series allows us to confront injustice in the face of adversity hence the proverb Small Axe, ‘if you are the big tree, we are the small axe’ (Bob Marley).”
Red, White and Blue was co-written by Courttia Newland and Steve McQueen and will air on BBC on Sunday 13 December 2020.