As we celebrate Americaโs Independence Day, itโs never been more important that we remind the world how vital Black people have been to the countryโs evolution. No matter how much some folks want to deny it, the USA would not be where it is financially, technologically, or culturally without the contributions of Black Americans.
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Republicans may want these achievements removed from history books, but you canโt change the past. As you enjoy barbecues and fireworks, donโt forget to celebrate all that weโve done for this country with these films and TV series that highlight Black contributions to Americaโs history.
Hidden Figures – Disney+
Thereโs a magic in how Taraji P. Henson, Octavia Spencer and Janelle Monรกe celebrate the triumph and sisterhood of these brilliant women. The way they thrive when the whole world wants to hold them down is inspiring, and sadly, still very relevant.
42 – Max
The late, great Chadwick Boseman uses his immense talent to showcase the grace and restraint Jackie Robinson had to have in order to make sure the door stayed open for everyone else.
Selma – Prime Video
โSelmaโ beautifully encapsulates the balance between heartbreak and triumph that is the Black American experience. Itโs also a stark reminder that we can never stop fighting, because the minute we do, they will try to take away any ground weโve gained.
Shirley – Netflix
Regina King is a force of nature as Shirley Chisholm, the first Black woman to run a major U.S. presidential campaign. We really need more biopics and series on the countless amazing Black women who have transformed and influenced this country.
Marshall – Prime Video, Google Play, AppleTV
Thereโs a subtlety and nuance in Bosemanโs performance that sticks to viewers like a conscience that follows you around. When the film ends, youโre still processing how truly important Thurgood Marshall was.
Red Tails – Disney+
There was a time when war documentaries would have you believe that Black soldiers played a minimal, background role in Americaโs military. โRed Tailsโ is one of several films that highlights the Tuskegee Airmen, who sacrificed everything to protect America and its allies during WWII.
Lawmen: Bass Reeves – Paramount+
Bass Reeves is one of the most successful and decorated officers in the history of the U.S. Marshal service. Heโs also rumored to be the basis for the Lone Ranger. In the captivating series, we follow Bass from the civil war through his career as a marshal, learning how brilliant he was, and how his gun was often the last thing he used to catch criminals. If you enjoy Black westerns, this is canโt-miss. It also highlights how we helped shape the western frontier.
Rustin – Netflix
Bayard Rustin was an essential part of the civil rights movement, but his sexuality kept him from receiving the credit he deserved. Colman Domingoโs compelling, Oscar nominated performance isnโt just a tribute to Rustin, itโs also a celebration for all the other LGBTQ+ activists who were kept out of the history books because of who they were.
Malcolm X – Prime Video, Google Play, AppleTV
Denzel Washington delivers an absolute masterclass as the great civil rights leader. He takes us through Malcolmโs transformation from criminal to legend, and itโs brilliant every single time, because all these years later, weโre still discovering new elements to his performance. Sometimes we wonder about the world where Malcolm and Martin were able to keep leading us.
High on the Hog: How African American Cuisine Transformed America – Netflix
Food is such an essential part of the Black experience, you canโt tell our story without examining the role food plays in our history. Seriously, the two seasons of this docuseries are addictive. Prepare yourself for a fascinating binge.
The 1619 Project – Hulu
We know how important we are to Americaโs development. Itโs the rest of the world that needs to be reminded that we literally built this country with our blood, sweat and tears. Black history is American history.
The Immortal Life of Henrietta Lacks – Max
Henrietta Lacks was a cancer patient who became the source of the HeLa cell line, a crucial cell line used for medical research for decades. Her cells were obtained and used without her consent, sparking questions about medical racism. The film follows her daughter as she tries to get recognition for her motherโs contributions to the advancement of medicine and science.
Summer of Soul – Hulu
Questloveโs thrilling, Oscar-winning documentary about the 1969 Harlem Cultural Festival restores a lost piece of Black history. It showcases our most influential musicians at their best while also highlighting how we were once again written out of the history books in favor of a white narrative โ in this case, the Woodstock festival.
Self Made: Inspired by the Life of Madam C.J. Walker – Netflix
Black women have a love/hate relationship with our hair. Long before major corporations entered the industry and started using this complicated relationship against us, one woman saw what a pivotal role hair played in our lives and made it her mission to become a beauty mogul before we knew what that was. Octavia Spencer is an undeniable force as Madam C.J. Walker.
Women of the Movement – Hulu, Disney+
Mamie Till-Mobley used the most unimaginable pain possible to inspire others. Brave and courageous arenโt strong enough words for how she turned her tragedy into a spark for the civil rights movement.
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