If you’re like me, you spend a large chunk of your time watching tv and movies. In honor of Black History Month, I compiled a list of a few stories I feel are important. Here are movies — and a tv series — you can check out this month and every month after that.
“Fruitvale Station” – Netflix
The first feature film for notable director Ryan Coogler follows the day in the life of Oscar Grant before his unjust death in Oakland’s Fruitvale BART station in 2009. Released in 2013, it is believed that Grant’s death was one of the many incidents of police brutality that brought about the Black Lives Matter movement.
“13th” – Netflix
With the title being a reference to the thirteenth amendment (the abolition of slavery), this documentary directed by Ava DuVernay focuses on the history of slavery, incarceration and police brutality in America. It is highly recommended for those who want a current and in-depth look at post-Civil War America and the effect it had (and still has) on African-Americans in this country.
“The Help” – Netflix
Set in 1960’s Mississippi, this film follows a white journalist who decides to write a book that gives voices to the maids who are primarily Black women and have experienced racism in the community. While I do feel this movie may be a sugar-coated version of history, this emotional film does a fine job at depicting the power struggle that existed then and still exist today.
“Blank Panther” – Disney+
Another film directed by Coogler, this Marvel movie is set in the African nation of Wakanda. T’Challa returns and becomes king and harnesses the power of the Black Panther. Wakanda symbolizes a place of peace and advancement that may have actually existed if white men never colonized Africa.
“Dear White People” – Netflix
A bi-racial college student starts a radio show on her campus that addresses the injustices she and her fellow Black friends face on campus. Rocking the ecosystem of the White ivy league college she attends, this lighthearted, yet revealing, tv series is sure to check the privilege of any viewer.
“Sorry to Bother You” – Hulu
Two words: code switching. In this film, the main character, a man of color, realizes that he can get farther in his marketing career by “sounding white” over the phone. It highlights the sad truth that POC’s will change their vernacular in certains settings as a survival skill, protecting them from those afraid of the color of their skin.
“Moonlight” – Netflix
Filmed in Miami, this coming of age story follows the three stages of life of a young Black man named Chiron. The film touches on themes such as sexuality and identity and is somewhat based on the life of “Moonlight’s” writer and director Barry Jenkins.
