Phillip Pannell Subject Of New Podcast On Race, Police Shootings

TEANECK, NJ — Phillip Pannell, a black teenager who was shot and killed by a white Teaneck police officer in 1990, is the subject of a new podcast series which focuses on race, police shootings, and the continued "search for justice."

The first episode of "Color Lines: From Philip to Floyd", is available on podcast streaming platforms Tuesday, and focuses on the circumstances of Pannell's death. It will look back on Mike Kelly's book of the same title, "Color Lines: The Troubled Dreams of Racial Harmony", while investigating the shooting which took place in a "community renowned as a national model of racial unity and peace, which became embroiled in a confrontation over race and dignity and fairness after a white police officer shot and killed a Black teenager," a news release said.

"Color Lines" is a series from Upward Media Partners. Episodes will include firsthand accounts from, as well as interviews with national figures like Sen. Cory Booker and the Rev. Al Sharpton.

Though the series begins with Pannell's story, the narrative expands into discussion about how the 16-year-old's death is representative of the present moment.

"Why do these kinds of police killings continue? What changes need to be made?" Kelly asks, in a series of interviews with podcast host Brittany Hanrahan.

Kathy Berardi and Walter Richardson are the producing team behind the podcast.

"While statistics, news coverage and social media discussion reflect the trauma and importance of the past year, this podcast is narrative-driven, relying on individual stories to shape and encourage the conversation about equity and justice in the year following the tragic and preventable death of George Floyd," said Richardson.

"As filmmakers and content creators, we are focused on sharing new perspectives to bring untold stories to light that empower and inspire. We are also listeners ourselves, and we believe these stories will help facilitate critical conversations that can impact our collective present and future. While our podcast focuses on a tragedy, our mission is to empower listeners to be a part of the resolution for how this tragedy ends in America as more people become aware and activated to be a part of lasting change," added Berardi.

Pannell, a black 16-year-old, was shot by white officer Gary Spath in 1990, which lead to Teaneck's 1990 riots.

His mother, Thelma Dantzler spoke about her son's death at a protest after the killing of George Floyd on June 5, 2020, and related it to the death of Floyd and others across the country.

Unlike the case of Floyd, where former police officer Derek Chauvin was convicted in his death, Spath was acquitted of manslaughter.

Dantzler and Pannell's sister, Natacha, founded the Phillip Pannell Foundation in his honor. The foundation aims to "bring positive awareness to prevent senseless acts of violence in America and increasing across the nation. The Phillip Pannell Foundation strives to bridge the cultural gap between underserved communities and law enforcement where a safe space is provided therefore reaching a degree of civil coexistence."

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