While we definitely honor and acknowledge black history all year round, February 1st marks the official start of Black History Month – a time of year where we pay homage to notable past, present and future black history makers.
We are all taught about African American history throughout our schools, jobs and even our everyday lives and it’s important that we continuously acknowledge where we came from so we know exactly where we are going and where we can go. As we’re celebrating the past achievements of notable African Americans this month, let’s revisit some important films that mirrored black culture, made us think and helped us grow. Here are notable films to watch this Black History Month.
“Selma”
Ava DuVernay has become a household name, teaming up with Oprah Winfrey and an all-star cast to deliver “Selma,” a movie that dug into the heart of the march from Selma to Montgomery. DuVernay’s intense talent of creating a movie where Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., who we mystify, became a man and a leader of a movement who often needed the encouragement from those around him. We all think we know the story, but we’ve never seen it told like this. And now, when racial tensions are high because of the strained relationship between police and Blacks, we need this movie more than ever.
“12 Years A Slave”
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From director Steve McQueen, “12 Years A Slave” is one of last year’s award season’s biggest films about the real-life story of Solomon Northup, a free black man living in the Civil War era that is kidnapped and sold into slavery, despite being born into freedom and living in New York. During his twelve years in captivity, Solomon experienced cruelty from his slave owner and witnessed unbearable actions towards the other slaves living on the plantation. In spite of Solomon’s hardships, he managed to stay alive and retain his dignity and finally met an abolitionist that would forever change his life.
“The Butler”
The Lee Daniels’ film, “The Butler”, is the story of an African American White House butler, Cecil Gaines, that served eight American presidents before, during and after the civil rights era in the United States. The movie follows Cecil and his family as as they encounter the dramatic changes America faced during that time.
“42”
Starring Howard University graduate Chadwick Boseman and Harrison Ford, “42” follows true story of Jackie Robinson, who we all know was the first African American to play in American Major League Baseball. Whether you are familiar with Jackie Robinson’s story or not, “42” is a great movie to reopen the discussion of racial discrimination in America during the 1940s and Jackie Robinson’s bravery to continue to follow his dreams in spite of the hatred that he received. This movie will definitely make you appreciate Jackie Robinson’s contribution to black history.
“Do The Right Thing”
Spike Lee’s “Do The Right Thing” is the story of residents living in the Bed-Stuy neighborhood of Brooklyn, New York. On the hottest day of the year, the streets of Bed-Stuy were filled with hatred and racial tension that climaxed, turned to violence and ended in tragedy. “Do The Right Thing” is a great modern day film that touches on some of the issues that blacks currently face including gun violence and subtle racism.
“Boyz In The Hood”
“Boyz In The Hood” is the story of a group of African American boys growing up in South Central Los Angeles in the early 1990s. The movie follows the boys as they experience typical situations of urban cities during that time period including continuous run ins with the LAPD, unsolved murders, robberies and drugs. Although the movie ended in tragedy, it is an amazing eye opener to some of the issues that black men living in urban cities encountered during the early 1990s that have spilled over to today.
