Black History Month begins February 1 and offers a time to celebrate and reflect on the achievements and contributions of the Black community throughout history. And what better way to do that than by watching movies, documentaries, and TV shows by Black creators and artists to help us learn more about Black history and culture?
In the list below, we’ve compiled shows, movies, and documentaries on Netflix, Hulu, Disney+, HBO Max, YouTube, and Amazon Prime that highlight the stories and experiences of Black individuals throughout history. Here’s what to watch this month:
Films and Documentaries
“13th” (Netflix)
This powerful documentary by Ava DuVernay explores the history of racial inequality in the United States, focusing specifically on the disproportionate number of Black people who have been incarcerated (many for trivial crimes). The film also highlights the for-profit prison system in the U.S., including the shocking ease with which Americans can invest in prison and law-enforcement-related stocks. The film takes its name from the 13th Amendment to the Constitution which abolished slavery, but also includes a clause that allows for the incarceration of people convicted of a crime.
“Just Mercy” (HBO Max)
This moving film tells the true story of the founding of the Equal Justice Initiative in 1989, a non-profit led by Bryan Stevenson that provides legal representation to prisoners who have been wrongly convicted of crimes or denied a fair trial. The movie focuses on Walter McMillian (played by Jamie Foxx), an Alabama man who was wrongfully convicted of murder and spent six years on death row before having his conviction overturned in 1993. Michael B. Jordan plays Bryan Stevenson, the young Black lawyer who takes on McMillian’s appeal. The film dives into the themes discussed in “13th” (the documentary mentioned above), including the systemic racism that continues to impact the criminal justice system.
“Black Panther” (Prequel – Disney+) and “Black Panther: Wakanda Forever” (Sequel – Disney+)
“Black Panther”
A 2018 fictional superhero film based on a Marvel comic of the same name, “Black Panther” stars the late Chadwick Boseman (as T’Challa / Black Panther) as well as Michael B. Jordan, Lupita Nyong’o, Letitia Wright, and many other notable Black actors. The movie focuses on the Black Panther (T’Challa) who is crowned king of the fictional African nation of Wakanda after his father’s death. He is challenged by Killmonger (Michael B. Jordan), who seeks to abandon Wakanda’s isolationist policies and begin a global revolution. The film has been praised for its positive portrayal of Black heroism, and “Black Panther” is significant in that it is the first protagonist of African descent ever created in mainstream American comics.
“Black Panther: Wakanda Forever”
The sequel to “Black Panther,” “Wakanda Forever” focuses on the leaders of Wakanda as they fight to protect their nation in the wake of King T’Challa’s death. To honor the late Chadwick Boseman, the film directors chose not to recast the role of T’Challa (played by Boseman in 2018). Instead, they revised the story to focus on T’Challa’s death and Wakanda’s fight to protect its nation.
“Dear White People” (Netflix)
This satirical film directed by Justin Simien is set at a predominantly white Ivy League university and follows a group of Black students as they navigate microaggressions and racial tensions on campus. It offers both sharp and humorous commentary on race relations, particularly within the context of higher education.
“I Am Not Your Negro” (YouTube – Free)
This documentary is based on the unfinished manuscript written by James Baldwin, a prominent Black writer and civil rights activist. The film uses Baldwin’s words to explore the history of race in the United States and the ongoing struggle for racial justice. Samuel L. Jackson serves as the voice for Baldwin’s musings on American racism through his recollections of civil rights leaders Malcolm X and Martin Luther King Jr.
“Moonlight” (Hulu)
This powerful coming-of-age film by director Barry Jenkins follows the life of a young Black man named Chiron as he grapples with his sexuality and identity in the face of poverty, violence, and discrimination. The film won the Academy Award for Best Picture in 2017 and has been widely hailed as a masterpiece.
“Equal” (HBO Max)
This four-part documentary series explores the history of the LGBTQ+ rights movement, with a particular focus on the contributions of Black people. It covers a wide range of topics, including the Stonewall riots, the HIV/AIDS epidemic, and the fight for marriage equality.
“When They See Us” (Netflix)
This limited series tells the true story of the Central Park Five, a group of Black and Latino teenagers who were wrongfully convicted of a brutal rape in New York City in 1989. The Central Park Five were wrongfully incarcerated for more than six years, and the lone attacker would eventually confess to committing the crime in 2002. Directed by Ava DuVernay, this series highlights the devastating consequences of racial discrimination and how it can interfere with justice in the legal system.
TV Shows:
“Black-ish” (Hulu and Disney+)
For those seeking a bit more levity, “Black-ish” is a sitcom that follows a Black family living in a predominantly white neighborhood. Featuring Anthony Anderson and Tracee Ellis Ross, this Emmy and Golden Globe-nominated comedy series takes a light-hearted yet important look at Andre “Dre” Johnson (Anthony Anderson)’s determination to establish a sense of cultural identity for his wife, father, and four children.
“Insecure” (HBO Max)
Created by and starring Issa Rae, this show follows the friendship and romantic lives of two Black women as they navigate the challenges of living and dating in Los Angeles. While the show is both funny and entertaining, it also deals with themes of race, gender, and identity and has been praised for its authentic portrayal of Black life.
Our Committment to DEI
Here at Draper and Kramer, we promote diversity, equity, and inclusion in all aspects of our business and have a shared commitment to supporting communities and causes through our various philanthropic initiatives in the neighborhoods we serve. Read more about our commitment to Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion.
