Nataijah White
Practicum Student
The stories of black people can offer a rich and vital perspective on history, especially in today’s political climate. If you are drawn to inspiring, heartfelt narratives that deepen your awareness of the world, these are the films you should watch!
- Hidden Figures
This 2016 historical film features a stellar cast, including Taraji P. Henson, Janelle Monáe, and Octavia Spencer. It explores the struggles black women experienced in the 1960s, particularly the mistreatment of those working at NASA. The film is significant because black cinema is expected to center on the “downsides” and the “negative” aspects of being black in America, especially in male-dominated fields. Instead, this story emphasizes the resilience, brilliance, and achievements of African-American women in STEM. It displays what black women had to overcome to secure the rights and recognition they have today. It illustrates how, even when overqualified and highly educated, black women are still frequently overlooked. Viewers watch the main characters push through barriers, including discrimination, setting a powerful precedent for African-American women everywhere. “Hidden Figures” is available to stream on HBO MAX, Hulu, and Amazon Prime Video. - The Color Purple
“The Color Purple,” originally released in 1985, was adapted into a musical film in 2023 by Blitz Bazawule. It follows a young black woman, Celie, living in the early 1900s American South, who endures abuse, racism, and sexism throughout her life, including from her father and her husband. The film exposes the harsh realities African-American women faced not only from society, but also within their own homes. Its significance lies in its message of resilience and self-discovery. Despite years of trauma, the main character finds her voice, independence, and strength. Available on HBO MAX, Hulu, and Amazon Prime Video, this film will make you feel as though you’re embarking on a journey from oppression to empowerment. - The Help
The 2011 film “The Help”, starring Viola Davis, Octavia Spencer, and Emma Stone, highlights the lives of black maids working in white households in 1960s Mississippi. The story explores the racism, disrespect, and inequality these women face daily while raising white children with inhumane treatment. The film is powerful because it gives these women a voice and allows their stories to be heard. Rather than focusing only on their pain, it also shows courage, sisterhood, and determination to speak up. As the story unfolds, the audience witnesses how these women risk everything to stand up for themselves and create change. “The Help” is available to stream on Hulu/Disney+, Amazon Prime Video, and other streaming services. - Queen & Slim
The romantic thriller “Queen & Slim” starring Daniel Kaluuya and Jodie Turner-Smith centers on a modern-day film about a Black couple whose first date turns tragic after a police encounter that ends with the officer’s death. When the incident goes viral, and they’re branded cop killers, the couple goes on the run to escape the law. The film speaks to contemporary social injustices and the complex relationship between black communities and law enforcement. It stands out for the way it weaves together romance, protest, and tragedy into one powerful narrative, showing how quickly African-American lives can be disrupted by systemic racism while centering love, vulnerability, and unity in the face of fear. Platforms such as Tubi, Amazon Prime Video, Fandango at Home, and Apple TV have the hit 2019 film available to watch. - Just Mercy
“Just Mercy”, starring Michael B. Jordan and Jamie Foxx, follows the true story of Bryan Stevenson, a young lawyer determined to free Walter McMillian, a wrongfully convicted black man on death row. Despite compelling evidence of McMillian’s innocence, Stevenson confronts deep-rooted racial bias and systemic legal injustices. The film exposes the racism embedded in the criminal justice system and the long history of unjust treatment of African-American men. Its power lies in its unwavering focus on justice, integrity, and the impact of committed advocacy. Available on Paramount+ and Amazon Prime Video, “Just Mercy” exposes how the system seems designed to fail black people.
These films and many more portray themes of racial and social injustices faced by blacks in America for decades. Some were based on true stories, and others on beliefs and experiences held by members of the African-American community, serving as windows into the souls of those affected by injustice and inequality, and, finally, their resolve to better the circumstances of past, present, and future generations.
