Black civil rights was one of the most important and inspiring movements in American history. While there is still much work to be done to achieve true equality, it’s important to remember the struggles and victories of the past.
Here’s a list of films about black civil rights that are both inspiring and educational.
Selma (2014)
« Selma » tells the story of the 1965 civil rights march from Selma to Montgomery, Alabama, led by Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. The film follows King as he organizes non-violent protests and meets with political leaders to demand black voter registration. The film is a tribute to the power of peaceful resistance, and shows how the actions of a small group can bring about significant change.
The film is directed by Ava DuVernay and stars David Oyelowo as Martin Luther King Jr.
42 (2013)
« 42 » tells the story of Jackie Robinson, the first black baseball player to join the Major League in 1947. The film shows how Robinson had to overcome racism and discrimination to become one of the best players in baseball history. The film is a poignant reminder of the perseverance and courage needed to break racial barriers.
The film is directed by Brian Helgeland and stars Chadwick Boseman as Jackie Robinson.
The Help (2011)
« The Help » follows the story of Skeeter, a young white woman from Mississippi who decides to write a book about the experiences of black women working as domestics in white southern homes. The film explores how race relations were transformed by the civil rights movement, and shows how small acts of resistance can have lasting effects.
The film is directed by Tate Taylor and stars Emma Stone, Viola Davis and Octavia Spencer.
Hidden Figures (2016)
« Hidden Figures » tells the story of three African-American women working for NASA during the space race in the 1960s. The film explores how women and people of color were marginalized in science and technology, while showing how their work contributed to one of the most significant achievements in American history.
The film was directed by Theodore Melfi and is based on the book « Hidden Figures: The American Dream and the Untold Story of the Black Women Mathematicians Who Helped Win the Space Race » by Margot Lee Shetterly.
Malcolm X (1992)
« Malcolm X » tells the story of Malcolm Little, later Malcolm X, one of the most important leaders of the civil rights movement. The film follows his journey from juvenile delinquent to political activist, exploring how he developed his philosophy of black activism and how he was assassinated in 1965. The film is a profound exploration of the history and life of one of the most influential leaders of the civil rights movement.
The lead role is played by Denzel Washington, who was nominated for a Best Actor Oscar for his performance. The film is based on Malcolm X’s autobiography, directed by the great Spike Lee.
The Butler (2013)
« The Butler » follows the story of Eugene Allen, a black butler who served in the White House for over thirty years. The film follows his life and shows how historical events such as the civil rights struggle influenced his own life and that of his family. The film is a celebration of resilience and perseverance in the face of adversity.
The title character is played by Forest Whitaker, and the film also stars Oprah Winfrey, David Oyelowo and Cuba Gooding Jr. The film tackles themes of racial segregation, the struggle for civil rights and discrimination in general. The director of « The Butler » is Lee Daniels.
I Am Not Your Negro (2016)
« I Am Not Your Negro » is a documentary that draws on the notes and writings of African-American writer James Baldwin to explore the question of race in the United States. The film shows how Baldwin used his pen to defend black rights, and how his work continued to inspire civil rights movements long after his death. The film is a profound exploration of the history of race in the United States, and offers a unique perspective on Black struggles for equality.
The film was nominated for an Oscar for Best Documentary in 2017. « I Am Not Your Negro » was directed by Raoul Peck.
Get on the Bus (1996)
« Get on the Bus » is an American drama released in 1996, directed by Spike Lee. The film follows the story of several African-American men who board a bus to attend the 1995 March on Washington for Jobs and Freedom, commemorating the 30ᵉ anniversary of Martin Luther King Jr.’s historic march for civil rights. The film tackles themes of the African-American community, black identity and social and political engagement. The film stars several famous actors, including Ossie Davis, Charles S. Dutton and André Braugher.
The Color Purple (1985)
« The Color Purple » is an American drama released in 1985, directed by Steven Spielberg. The film is based on Alice Walker’s 1982 novel of the same name, which tells the story of the life of a young African-American woman, Celie, in the early 20ᵉ century. The film follows Celie, played by Whoopi Goldberg, as she overcomes such hardships as oppression, racism, incest and domestic violence. The film also stars Oprah Winfrey, Danny Glover and Margaret Avery. The film was nominated for 11 Oscars, but did not win any statuettes.
When They See Us (2019)
« When They See Us » is a Netflix miniseries that tells the story of the five black New York teenagers who were falsely accused and wrongly convicted of raping a jogger in 1989. The film explores how the teens were mistreated by the justice system and the media, while showing how they were ultimately exonerated of all charges against them. The series is a denunciation of how unjust the institutions of power can often be, and of the importance of fighting for the civil rights of all citizens.
In conclusion, these Black civil rights films offer an inspiring vision of the struggle for equality and emancipation. They remind us all that racial discrimination is a persistent obstacle to justice and equality, and that the struggle for civil rights is far from over. We must continue to be inspired by these stories to pursue our fight for equality, justice and freedom for all.
