As Black History Month continues, it’s important to remember to continue to educate yourself on the history of racism in America. Here is a compiled list of diverse films that highlight the challenges of black people in the United States.
- Good Hair –
I just recently found this gem on Netflix while scrolling through their catalog . It’s a documentary directed by Chris Rock, about hair, Black women’s hair specifically.
The interviews are led by Chris Rock as he explores the beauty standards in the Black community while keeping the film lighthearted and funny. I not only found myself laughing, but with my jaw on the floor as the documentary uncovers the behind the scenes of Black hair, the stigmas, the expenses and the complexity all are captivating.
After watching, I felt much more educated on a topic I didn’t even know was an issue before.
- Mudbound –
This film was heartbreaking, it truly was hard to watch at times, but it’s something I think everyone needs to watch and take in, as it displays the brutality committed against Black people in the south.
The movie follows a white man named Jamiee and a black man named Ronsel, who become friends after fighting in the same war. They find their relationship is easy to build with their shared trauma from the war. They become best friends, and it’s hard to watch the battles they have to fight with the judgement and racism around them. If they are seen together by the wrong people, Ronsel could be killed.
Mudbound’s immaculate acting and an eye opening plot that needs to be understood should be all the more reasons to watch this movie.
- The Butler–
After appearing on Netflix a few months back, an evening stream made me realize how powerful this movie is.
It’s based on a true story, following a Black man named Cecil who becomes a butler in the White House, and follows him battling a war within himself and where he belongs. He struggles with feeling an outsider in his own home and being paid substantially less than the white people around him.
I most definitely cried at the end when after serving for the White house for over 30 years, Cecil lives to see Barack Obama get elected as the first Black president. This film will always be a 10/10 for me.
- Becoming –
Becoming follows former First Lady Michelle Obama as she works her way through her book tour.
While watching, you experience her beautiful wisdom first hand as she talks about what it was like growing up and becoming the woman she is but also the stresses and challenges of being Black in America. Everyone could learn a little something from this movie, it is just as captivating as it is inspiring.
- Moonlight –
There is so much I could say about this movie, it was perfect, and there are plenty of awards for it’s acting, directing, and cinematography to prove it.
Moonlight follows a young black man living in an unsafe neighborhood surrounded by gangs, drugs, violence, and abuse. This coming of age film follows the boy throughout his life as he tries to find himself and grapple with being gay.
It was filmed with an all Black cast and producer, winning an Oscar and eight Academy Award nominations.
