Michael Stewart was an African-American man who received recognition after his death following an arrest by New York City Transit Police for writing graffiti in soft tip marker or using an aerosol can on a New York City Subway wall at the First Avenue station. His treatment while in police custody and the ensuing trials of the arresting officers (all of whom were acquitted) sparked debate concerning police brutality and the responsibilities of arresting officials in handling suspects. This was a widely publicized episode in New York City's history of police brutality cases. He died at age 25, on September 28, after 13 days in a coma. The cause of death was listed as cardiac arrest.

Prior to losing his life in a tragedy, Michael was an aspiring artist and model from 1980s NYC’s talented art scene. He was in the same artistic circle that included the legendary Jean-Michel Basquiat, Keith Haring, Madonna, actress and friend Debi Mazar, friend George Condo, and his own girlfriend at the time of his passing, Suzanne Mallouk. He danced in Madonna’s first music video for her song “Everybody” and modeled for critically acclaimed fashionista Dianne Brill. His untimely death shocked the art world he was apart of. Basquiat stated “It could have been me” and Haring painted a mural in his honor.

This petition asks for a major director of color in Hollywood to make a movie in his honor to showcase and highlight the gifted and talented artist that he was without showing the tragedy and crime that occurred on the night he passed.

If his family does not want a movie to made, I completely understand. His story touched me as I see many similarities of Michael within myself.