Black History Documentaries: Essential Viewing
The United States is no stranger to racism and oppression. African American history is the story of African Americans in this country and the evolving struggle for equal rights and justice. This history has been explored and documented in various forms, including through the medium of film. Documentary films that tell the story of African American history are essential viewing to understand the struggles, struggles which continue today.
From the civil rights movement to the Black Lives Matter era, here is a list of essential Black history documentaries to view.
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“The Black Panthers: Vanguard of the Revolution” – This documentary explores the Black Panther Party of the 1960s and 1970s and their influence on civil rights and the Black Power movement.
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“The Autobiography of Miss Jane Pittman” – This Emmy award-winning television movie stars Cicely Tyson as the title character, starting when she was a slave at the dawn of the Civil War and stretching into the Civil Rights era of the 1960s. The film is based on a novel by Ernest J. Gaines, and recounts the struggles of post-emancipation Black Americans.
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“I Am Not Your Negro” – Filmmaker Raoul Peck uses the words of James Baldwin to look back at the history of racism in America in this Oscar-nominated documentary.
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“Say it Loud: A Celebration of Black Music in America” –This documentary series explores the history and influence of Black music. From blues and jazz to hip hop and R&B, the documentary looks at the different genres and their impact on both African American culture and, ultimately, popular culture in general.
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“The Two Killings of Sam Cooke” – This documentary, which aired on the A&E Network in 2017, looks into the mysterious death of the iconic soul singer, Sam Cooke. It explores his life, his music, and the circumstances of his death.
Exploring the Manifold Contributions of African Americans
Though the stories above focus primarily on the struggles and oppression faced by African Americans, they also highlight the remarkable resilience and triumphant achievements that Blacks throughout history have contributed to our society. From their powerful presence in public protest rallies to developing paradigm-shifting music genres, it is essential that we recognize and appreciate the manifold contributions African Americans have made to our culture.
- Protest Movements and Organizing Efforts
African Americans have been involved in controversial yet influential protest movements and social movements since the beginning of the country. Important organizing efforts that have had an unparalleled impact on the US have been lead by Africans Americans, such as:
a. The Underground Railroad – A loosely organized network of individuals who helped slaves fleeing from the South to the North, the Underground Railroad is one of the nation’s most important freedom movements. Slaves seeking freedom of the southern plantation-style life traveled the railroad, using spirituals and codes to communicate with one another and find their way.
b. Civil Rights Movement –The Civil Rights Movement of the 1960s and 70s was a cultural upheaval led by activists such as Martin Luther King, Jr. and Rosa Parks which paved the way for desegregation, improved voting rights, and many equal rights victories.
c. Black Lives Matter Movement – More recently, the Black Lives Matter movement has been at the forefront of the fight for justice and equal rights. Following the deaths of unarmed black men at the hands of the police, protest rallies, marches, and justice-based organizing campaigns have sparked a powerful protest movement unlike anything else in the United States’ history.
- Music
African Americans have a profound impact on the music industry. From gospel, jazz, blues and rock n’ roll to rap, hip hop, and even EDM, African American artists have created entire genres and subgenres of music revolutionizing the music industry. Here are a few iconic African American musicians that have helped make American music what it is today:
a. Elvis Presley – Elvis Presley has unarguably made one of the most enduring marks on American music history. He was an innovative performer and is often referred to as “the King of Rock and Roll.”
b. Aretha Franklin – Aretha Franklin is known as the Queen of Soul, and has been a powerful over a long and impressive musical career. She has been recognized for her incomparable talent and has earned a number of awards throughout her career and was even awarded a Presidential Medal of Freedom in 2010.
c. Miles Davis – Jazz is a genre of music with strong African American roots, and Miles Davis was one of the most influential jazz musicians of all time. He had a revolutionary sound and is credited with creating the cool jazz movement. He was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 2006 and received a posthumous Grammy Lifetime Achievement Award
While there are countless more stories to tell about the Black experience, these documentaries and pieces of art are a small sample of the narratives that help define and shape the struggle that African Americans endure in the United States. It’s essential to take some time to watch these films and take in the invaluable lessons that come from understanding the past. Through examining the diversity of African American history, we can better understand the present and plan for a more equitable future.
