Black History Movies to Watch for Independence Day
Instead of celebrating July 4th this year I’ve chosen to continue on my journey of educating myself about the struggle imposed every day on the average Black American. I have to add I’m not currently living in the United States of America where I am a citizen so it is easier for me to choose to not celebrate.
July 4th is “Independence Day” in the United States but this year I realized how many people were not given independence on this day. It should be called white independence day. All Black Americans did not see their freedom until June 19th, 1865. Even still Black and other non-white Americans are not given the same freedoms as their white peers.
To facilitate understanding into the lives of Black Americans movies and documentaries have been produced for the consumption of all people. We do not get to learn these things in school but that does not mean we shouldn’t learn them. As a white American I am privileged enough to watch movies to find out the oppression of other Americans instead of experiencing it first hand. We must hold these stories in our minds in every step we take to ensure a brighter future. As a country we have to stand together and the FIRST step is to learn who the oppressed and oppressors are.
I’ve put together a list of the movies and documentaries I’ve watched lately that really spoke to me and made me think of the world from other points of view. Don’t just put these important films on in the background, these are tools the Black Community has created that we all need to pay attention too. I encourage people while watching these to pause them and reflect as much as possible. Maybe even watch with a journal to write down new ideas and things you felt strongly about.
I firmly believe in order to save the world from climate destruction we have to start with inclusion. Throwing money at causes is not working, we must dismantle the horribly outdated system and the start of that is to know how it works. Once we stabilize the system so all individuals are thriving we can then more efficiently tackle the climate change disasters happening right now.
13th, 2016
Everything you need to know about the systemic racism in the police force and jail system. From the civil war to today this film truly shows how America has been constantly evolving to oppress Black Americans. With every win there is a hidden and horrible loss. This is a must watch documentary.
When They See Us, 2019
This series based on true events tells the story of the five boys falsely accused and found guilty of an attack on a white woman in Central Park in 1989. So incredibly sad what happened to these boys but we must learn their stories in full. These things happen every day and to stand up for Black Americans we need to know each of their stories.
BlackkKlansmen, 2018
This drama based on a true story shows how two undercover police officers infiltrate the KKK and stop violence attempted at the Black community. Remember the KKK is still active and not considered a terrorist group. Those people still walk the streets with hate in their eyes.
I Am Not Your Negro, 2016
This captivating documentary is inspired by the notes and unfinished manuscript of James Baldwin, civil rights leader in 1957. He accounts the lives and deaths of his friends and other civil rights leaders, Martin Luther King Jr, Malcom X, and Medgar Evers as well as the history of racism in the United States.
The Hate U Give, 2018
This story shows the reality too many Black communities experience, a member being killed by a police officer. We watch a young woman stand up for her beliefs while being pulled in opposite directions.
Just Mercy, 2019
The true story of lawyer Bryan Stevenson defending Walter McMillian from being sentenced to death with no evidence against him.
Time: The Kalief Browder Story, 2017
This heart wrenching documentary mini series is a must watch to understand young Black Americans role in the judicial system. Kalief dedicated his life to exposing the horrors of being innocent and stuck in the system. We also get a look at Kalief’s amazing mother, Venida who is a true hero. Raising and adopting foster children, standing up for them when no one else would and becoming a civil rights activist while the pillars around her are crumbling. This story is very important to know, it’s sad so many people had to lose their lives before being heard.
These are a few suggestions to further understanding but should not be the end of learning whatsoever. Follow Black writers, bloggers, directors and other influences to find more valuable tools to becoming a better ally. Black America needs help now, and silence is absolutely violence. Stand up for what is right with tough conversations and showing these points of view. If the people you love think differently it’s not something to sweep under the rug. Make it uncomfortable for friends and family to be racist by always reminding them how they are wrong.
