You’ll notice that major streaming services (Netflix, Amazon Prime, Hulu) are featuring black history films throughout February in honor of Black History Month. From documentaries to biopics to historical dramas, there are many options for watching movies centered on the Black experience in America. Watching these films won’t make racism go away (it can only be done through concerted anti-racism by both individuals and organizations), but it will help us understand its origins and devastating impact. and can be a powerful tool to drive change.
It’s easy to share a quote from Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.’s “I have a dream” speech on Instagram. It is more difficult to understand the nuanced context of that era, and it is difficult for non-black people to recognize that relatively little progress has been made in this country since then. In the spirit of inspiring change, we asked thought leaders in the anti-racism field, from best-selling authors to award-winning filmmakers, to recommend the most compelling black history films. After Black History Month.
Whether you’re black and want to learn more about your own history, or you’re an ambitious ally looking to educate yourself about the black experience as part of an anti-racist movement, or you simply enjoy a really good movie. Whether you want to or not, these movies are worth adding to your queue.
1. Claudine (1974)
Diane Carroll has been a goddess in almost every film she has appeared in, including the 1974 film Claudine is no exception. The movie has comedy, romance and great performances from James Earl Jones who falls in love with Carol and her over and over again. It’s also a compelling and honest portrayal of black life in 1970s Harlem. This is very different from the major blaxploitation films that were coming out around the same time. Throw in a soundtrack of songs written by Curtis Mayfield and sung by Gladys Knight and The Pips, and you get a soulful and amazing time his capsule. —Zakia Dalila Harristhe author of new york times best seller other black girl
