Black History in the Making: Must-Watch List

As we honor Black History Month in the month of February, we encourage you to reflect on the many experiences of overcoming adversity and the inspiring people from the Black community that has made an impact on your life and how you view the world. Below we've compiled films, series and documentaries that provide a lens to help shape our understanding of the rich cultural heritage of African Americans and insight into the Black experience.

Movies based in the 1950s and 1960s

• Nine from Little Rock - Informative
  This 1964 documentary covers the Arkansas school integration crisis during the fall of 1957 in just 20 minutes.
• Introducing Dorothy Dandridge - Inspiring
  TV Movie featuring Halle Berry as Dorothy Dandridge. Follow along as she paved her way to fame as a black dancer, singer, and actress in the 1950s. 
• Ethnic Notions - Compelling
  This documentary traces the deep-rooted stereotypes which have fueled anti-black prejudice.
• Selma - Inspiring
  2014 feature film of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.'s campaign in securing equal voting rights through the march from Selma to Montgomery in 1965.

Movies based in the 1970s and 1980s

• Chisholm '72: Unbought & Unbossed - Informative
  A documentary on Congresswoman Shirley Chisholm's 1972 presidential bid.
• The Black Power Mixtape 1967-1975 - Inspiring
  2011 documentary by Swedish journalists during the Black Power Movement in the US.
• The People Vs. O.J. Simpson - Informative
  Netflix series diving into O.J. Simpson's murder trial and the impact it had on everyone.
• Sarafina! - Inspiring
  Musical story of South African teenagers experiencing the Soweto Uprising.
• Do The Right Thing - Artistic
  A reenactment of December 19, 1986, when violence broke out Brooklyn.
• The Gospel According to André - Inspiring
  This 2017 documentary portrays André Leon Tally's incredibly influential role in the world of fashion.

Movies based in the 1990s and 2000s

• Tupac: Resurrection - Inspiring
  Documentary featuring home movies, photos, and recited poetry from one of the most beloved hip-hop MCs of all time, Tupac Shakur.
• Hotel Rwanda - Compelling
  A hotel manager houses over a thousand Tutsi refugees during their struggle against the Hutu militia in Africa.
• Guava Island - Artistic
  Starring Donald Glover and Rihanna, this short film tells the story of a musician who wants to hold a festival to liberate the oppressed people of Guava Island.
• All In: Fight for Democracy - Informative
  2020 documentary taking a look at historical and current activism against voter suppression.