Teaching Black history has always been silently discouraged in the past, but now many more schools are emphasizing the importance of knowing and understanding Black history. Black history should be recognized and taught even if it exposes the faults and problems of our country. You can understand and learn the culture and history of Black Americans through books, films, and other forms of media. Here is a list of movies that help share the history that impacted the lives of many Americans.
Selma (2014)
This movie follows the journey of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., a historic civil rights leader, and the marches he led to gain equal voting rights. Selma centers around the racism and violence towards Black Americans during this time in history. It also conveys how the lives of Black Americans have failed to change since the abolition of slavery in 1865.
Hidden Figures (2016)
Hidden Figures is based on the true story of three mathematicians during the 1960s space race. It displays the women’s role, specifically Black women, and the racial and gender inequalities during the time.
12 Years a Slave (2013)
This movie is one of the most important ones on the list. It exposes the horrors and brutality of the nation’s past involving slavery. 12 Years a Slave is about a free man who is kidnapped and sold into slavery during the Antebellum Era. It does not conceal or breeze over the harsh and inhuman truths of the history of slavery.
Those are just a few movies you should watch that share Black history. There are so many more including The Hate U Give, Glory, and 42. Try to find one of these movies to watch the next time you want to have a movie night!