Suggested Reading
The Autobiography of Miss Jane Pittman (1974)
Based on a novel of the same name, “The Autobiography of Miss Jane Pittman” introduces us to a 110-year-old former slave in the 1960s as she begins to recount her life. From her time as an orphaned child on a plantation to becoming a key member of the civil rights movement, Cicely Tyson delivers a performance of Jane Pittman that will have your eyes hooked to the screen.
Straight Outta Compton (2015)
F. Gary Gray’s “Straight Outta Compton” is the biopic chronicling the rise and fall of Compton’s very own N.W.A. Set in the mid-1980s, the film shows how the rap group revolutionized hip-hop. It also shows how they used their music to take a stand against police brutality and fight against censorship.
Hidden Figures (2016)
“Hidden Figures” is the powerful true story of Katherine Johnson (Taraji P. Henson), Dorothy Vaughan (Octavia Spencer) and Mary Jackson (Janelle Monáe). It is thanks to these three mathematicians that NASA was able to launch astronaut John Glenn, played by Glen Powell, into orbit during the 1960s space race.
Ali (2001)
“Ali” is the 2001 epic biopic that chronicles the life of one of the world’s most iconic boxers, Muhammad Ali, from the 1960s to the 1970s. Drawing on Ali’s enduring fighting spirit, Will Smith gives a portrayal that will make you understand exactly why Ali is the world’s greatest.
When We Were Kings (1997)
Of course, after watching “Ali,” it only makes sense to watch the 1997 documentary about Ali’s “Rumble in the Jungle” with George Foreman, “When We Were Kings.” Underneath the sweltering heat of Zaire, now the Democratic Republic of Congo, and in a stadium with a booming crowd, Ali packs a punch that will knock you out of your seat.
Malcolm X (1992)
There is a reason most people agree Denzel Washington should have won an Academy Award for his role in Spike Lee’s “Malcolm X.” Throughout its three-hour run time, Washington—and the entire cast—give a standout performance of one of the United States’ most influential Black leaders, from his early life all the way to his tragic assassination.
Roots (1977)
The 1977 ABC miniseries “Roots” is based on the story of author Alex Haley’s family history. Beginning with the story of Kunta Kinte (LeVar Burton), who was captured from the shores of Gambia, “Roots” tells the tragic story of slavery but also Black endurance.
The Great Debaters (2007)
In “The Great Debaters,” Denzel Washington portrays teacher and debate coach Melvin B. Tolson as he starts the first debate team at Wiley College in Marshall, Texas. In this inspiring tale, you will watch as Tolson helps his students build confidence, leads them to national debate championships and comes out triumphant after they win against Harvard students.
The United States vs Billie Holiday (2021)
It only makes sense that one of America’s most iconic jazz singers, Billie Holiday, got a movie of her own. However, it is not about the glitz and glam of a jazz career. The film delves into Black history by revealing the deeper meaning behind Holiday’s music and it gets into her heartbreaking backstory of her struggle with drugs and how the U.S. government targeted Holiday for being a voice for the people with her song “Strange Fruit.”
Judas and The Black Messiah (2021)
Produced by Oscar-nominated director Ryan Coogler, “Judas and the Black Messiah” tells the story of William O’Neal, played by LaKeith Stanfield. O’Neal is blackmailed by the FBI to infiltrate the Black Panther Party and provide intelligence on the revolutionary Fred Hampton, played by Daniel Kaluuya.
12 Years a Slave (2013)
“12 Years a Slave” is the haunting story of Solomon Northup, portrayed by Chiwetel Ejiofor. The film is based on the real-life 1853 memoir by Northup, who was born a free man and offered a job as a musician, only to be captured and sold into slavery. However, Northup does not allow his spirit to be broken as he fights for the freedom he once had and deserves.
Get On Up (2014)
Chadwick Boseman gives an incredible performance as James Brown in the musical biopic “Get on Up.” Going deep into the life of Brown, the musical drama provides insight into the Godfather of Soul and the drive it took for him to become “the hardest-working man in show business.”
Freedom Writers (2007)
In the 2007 classic “Freedom Writers,” you will learn what it was like to be a Los Angeles teenager after the 1992 L.A. riots. Based on a true story, the film follows English teacher Erin Gruwell (Hilary Swank) as she works with a class of at-risk students who are divided by racial tension.
The Bingo Long Travelling All-Stars & Motor Kings (1976)
If you are looking to learn more about African American sports history, you need to watch the story of Bingo Long and his all-stars. Set in the 1930s, the film—loosely based on baseball player Satchel Paige—tells the story of Bingo Long (Billy Dee Williams). Fed up with how he is treated as a player, Long forms his own team and tours the Midwest playing baseball.
Da 5 Bloods (2020)
“Da 5 Bloods” is inspired by the real-life events of Black veterans who fought in the Vietnam War and the injustices they faced as soldiers on the front lines. In the war drama, four veterans—Paul (Delroy Lindo), Otis (Clarke Peters), Eddie (Norm Lewis) and Melvin (Isaiah Whitlock Jr.)—return to Vietnam to find the hidden treasure they buried during the war and honor their fallen squad leader, Norman Holloway (Chadwick Boseman).
The Tuskegee Airmen (1985)
“The Tuskegee Airmen” tells the story of Hannibal Lee (Laurence Fishburne) and his fellow aviation classmates. Their fight against racism and oppression led them to become the first African American aviators in the U.S. Army and a celebrated group of airmen during World War II.
Marshall (2017)
In 1967, Thurgood Marshall broke barriers by becoming the first African American Supreme Court justice. But this film shows how Marshall laid the building blocks for his career before that feat. Portrayed by Chadwick Boseman, Marshall takes the case of Joseph Spell (Sterling K. Brown), a man accused of raping a wealthy white woman, and leads him to justice.
Ray (2004)
In the 2004 biopic “Ray,” Jamie Foxx’s musical and acting prowess come together to give a performance that will have you hooked to the screen. From his humble beginnings to his rise to becoming one of the most legendary blues artists, “Ray” is a must-watch to learn more about the real-life history behind the innovative artist Ray Charles.
42 (2013)
Another one for the sports buffs, “42” is the dramatic biopic on the first African American to play in Major League Baseball, Jackie Robinson. In 1947, Robinson, portrayed by Chadwick Boseman, was signed to the Brooklyn Dodgers and was subjected to racism for joining the team. But that did not stop Robinson from making baseball history and helping lead the Brooklyn Dodgers to victory.
Birth of a Nation (2016)
The 2016 “The Birth of a Nation” tells the story of Nat Turner, portrayed by Nate Parker, an educated slave and preacher. In 1831, Turner, inspired by his Christian beliefs, led a slave uprising in Virginia. The film portrays the violent rebellion that was quickly shut down with a just-as-violent retaliation.
One Night In Miami (2021)
As the title suggests, “One Night in Miami” is an account of the night Malcolm X (Kingsley Ben-Adir), Sam Cooke (Leslie Odom Jr.), Muhammad Ali (Eli Goree) and Jim Brown (Aldis Hodge) came together in Miami and discussed what it meant to be a Black man during the civil rights movement. The film gives deeper insight into the lives of the four legendary men and the turmoil they faced
BlacKkKlansman (2018)
Based on the story of Ron Stallworth, Spike Lee’s “BlacKkKlansman” follows the first African American police officer in Colorado Springs, Ron Stallworth (John David Washington), as he infiltrates the Ku Klux Klan by making members believe he is one of them. With the help of his colleague Flip Zimmerman (Adam Driver), Stallworth puts up a brave fight against racism and works to take down the Klan.
Rustin (2023)
Colman Domingo takes on the role of Bayard Rustin in this 2023 historical drama. Having to fight both racism and homophobia, the activist battles for his rightful space in the civil rights movement as other leaders try to push him out because of his sexual orientation. Despite it all, Rustin continues to push through to become an important figure in Black history.
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