Black History Month is an ode to African American history, a tradition that originated in the United States and is celebrated throughout the month of February each year. This tradition has spread to other countries like Canada, Ireland, and the United Kingdom as well.
Although Black History Month is only celebrated for one month, the work of anti-racism, racial harmony, and equality is a year-round endeavor. Films are one of the most powerful mediums to help move this endeavor forward because they have the power to educate, sensitize, and represent a culture.
There have been many films that celebrate black history in different ways. While you love movies Malcolm (1992) depicts history and highlights one of the most important African American figures, and is a film like… Straight from Compton It shows the struggles that African Americans face in a different context.
Black History Month isn't just about struggles, it's also about celebrating Black culture, Black art, and embracing joy within oneself.
moon lightAnd 4 other movies to watch A black historical month
1) Judas and the Black Messiah (2021)
Black History Month focuses on educating people about black history, and this biographical crime drama is a healthy dose of historical fiction. Featuring some of the best performances from actors Daniel Kaluuya, Lakeith Stanfield, Dominique Fishback and others, the film revolves around the betrayal of Fred Hampton of the Illinois chapter of the Black Panther Party.
The official summary stated the following:
“William O'Neill, a petty criminal, has been assigned by the FBI to infiltrate the Illinois chapter of the Black Panther Party. Furthermore, he must approach Fred Hampton and provide intelligence on him.”
2) moon light (2016)
moon light is one of the best coming-of-age drama films that depicts the experience of growing up as an African American. Starring Mahershala Ali, Trevante Rhodes, Ashton Sanders and others, the film has been cited as one of the best films of the 21st century.
The film won three Academy Awards. The film's synopsis reads as follows:
“Chiron, an African-American boy, finds guidance in Juan, a drug dealer, who teaches him to make his own way. As he grows up in Miami, Juan's advice leaves a lasting impression on him.”
3) I'm not your nigger (2016)
Director Raoul Peck reimagines James Baldwin's unfinished book Remember this house In this documentary. The film follows James Baldwin as he gives his accounts of the assassination of three of his closest friends, Malcolm X, Medgar Evers, and Martin Luther King Jr.
The film does a great job of providing a look at the journey of black history and makes it a great watch for Black History Month because it connects the past of the civil rights movement to the current movement.
4) spirit (2020)
Celebrate Black History Month with this Disney gem that's an ode to soul music. After an accident leaves him in a coma, the animated film's story focuses on Joe Gardner (Jamie Foxx), a middle school teacher and aspiring pianist who tries to put his body and soul back together in time for his big success. Jazz artist.
The official summary stated the following:
“Joe is a middle school band teacher whose life hasn't turned out quite the way he expected. His true passion is jazz—and it's good. But when he travels to another world to help someone find their passion, he soon discovers what it means to have a soul.”
5) Summer of the soul (2021)
While most people know about Woodstock 1969, the famous counterculture music festival that made huge waves, not many people know about the Harlem Cultural Festival that was held that same year.
The 1969 Harlem Cultural Festival (informally called the Black Woodstock Festival) featured some of the greatest black artists of all time such as B.B. King, Nina Simone, Mahalia Jackson, Stevie Wonder and others.
Summer of the soul is a documentary featuring never-before-seen footage from the Harlem Cultural Festival and highlighting the importance of black history. Never-before-seen footage includes live performances by Stevie Wonder, Nina Simone, Sly & the Family Stone, Gladys Knight & the Pips, Ray Barretto, Abbey Lincoln, Max Roach and other artists.
Celebrate Black History Month in style this February with these five films that celebrate Black history, art, and culture.
