A tradition that originated in the US, Black History Month is observed annually in February as a tribute to African-American history. Other countries like Canada, Ireland, and the United Kingdom have also adopted the custom.
While Black History Month lasts for just one month, efforts to combat racism and promote racial harmony and equality are ongoing. Since movies have the ability to inform, arouse empathy, and represent a culture, they are among the most effective mediums for advancing this effort.
Many movies have been made that honor Black History in various ways. Straight Outta Compton presents African Americans' struggles in a different light, while Malcolm X (1992) depicts history and sheds light on one of the most significant African-American figures.
In addition to highlighting hardships, Black History Month also celebrates black culture, black art, and the joy of discovering one's own self.
Watch Moonlight and these 4 films this Black History Month.
1) Judas & the Black Messiah (2021)
The goal of Black History Month is to raise awareness of black history, and this biographical crime drama provides a good dose of historical narratives. The plot centers on Fred Hampton of the Illinois chapter of The Black Panther Party being betrayed. Actors Daniel Kaluuya, LaKeith Stanfield, and Dominique Fishback give some of their best performances in it.
Officially, the synopsis says:
"William O'Neal, a petty criminal, is tasked by the FBI to infiltrate the Illinois chapter of the Black Panther Party. Further, he must get close to and provide intelligence on Fred Hampton."
2) Moonlight (2016)
One of the best coming-of-age drama movies that portrays what it's like to be an African-American child is Moonlight. The film, which stars Mahershala Ali, Trevante Rhodes, and Ashton Sanders among others, has been called one of the greatest motion pictures of the twenty-first century.
Three Academy Awards have been won by the film. The movie's synopsis says:
"Chiron, a young African-American boy, finds guidance in Juan, a drug dealer, who teaches him to carve his own path. As he grows up in Miami, Juan's advice leaves a lasting impression on him."
3) I Am Not Your Negro (2016)
In this documentary, director Raoul Peck reimagines James Baldwin's incomplete novel Remember This House. The movie follows James Baldwin as he describes how three of his closest friends—Martin Luther King Jr., Malcolm X, and Medgar Evers—were assassinated.
Because it links the history of the civil rights movement with the current movement, the film does a fantastic job of presenting a look into the journey of black history and is highly recommended viewing during Black History Month.
4) Soul (2020)
Enjoy this wonderful Disney film, which is an homage to soul music and centers around it, during Black History Month. The story of the animated movie revolves around Joe Gardner (Jamie Foxx), a middle school teacher and aspiring pianist who suffers a serious accident that puts him in a coma and tries to heal both his body and soul in time for his big break as a jazz musician.
5) Summer of Soul (2021)
The Harlem Culture Festival took place in 1969, but not many people are aware of it, unlike the popular counterculture music festival Woodstock 1969, which created quite a stir.
Among the greatest black performers of all time were present at the 1969 Harlem Culture Festival, also known as the "black Woodstock" and featuring B.B. King, Stevie Wonder, Mahalia Jackson, and Nina Simone.
Black history is highlighted in the documentary Summer of Soul, which includes never-before-seen footage from The Harlem Cultural Festival. Live performances by Stevie Wonder, Nina Simone, Sly & the Family Stone, Gladys Knight & the Pips, Ray Baretto, Abbey Lincoln & Max Roach, and other artists are featured in the never-before-seen footage.
Celebrate Black History Month with vigor this upcoming February through these five films celebrating black history, art, and culture.
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