February is upon us folks, and with that we have a few select standout documentaries to celebrate Black History Month!
13th (Ava DuVernay)
Focusing on the intersection of race, crime and justice. 13th is a harshly brutal look at the injustices that many people of color were submitted to purely because they found themselves unable to do anything about it.
DuVernay takes the viewer on a sordid trip through prisons, judicial hearings and makes no qualms about throwing shade at the system.
The result of all this? Well, 13th is hard hitting and truly makes you look outwards as to what you could change. However, much like DuVernay insists, sometimes you can’t do anything. Those with the power must decide to help.
4 Little Girls (Spike Lee)
Spike Lee is no stranger to racial controversy. While he’s been in the hot seat for his comments about BlackKKlansman not receiving many awards, his documentary 4 Little Girls is heartbreaking.
Focusing on the events of the 16th Street Baptist Church bombing, 4 Little Girls tells the story of, you guessed it, the 4 victims. Addie May Collins, Carol Denise McNair, Cynthia Wesley, Carole Rosamond Robertson.
The racially motivated attacks by the despicable Ku Klux Klan, the results shocked the world. Many said that it was the moment that the Civil Rights Movement was taken more seriously. Whatever the case may be, it was a pivotal and heartbreaking reality.
Hoop Dreams (Steve James)
Focusing on the story of two African American College students who get picked by a scout for potential NBA fame.
What follows is very representative of great films like We Are Titans. The two students find themselves in a dominantly monochromatic world where economic hardships abound. We watch as these two young men find themselves, prove their hard work and get cheered on.
Quite honestly, by the 90 minute mark, you’ll find yourself standing up and cheering right alongside them!
Freedom Riders (Stanley Nelson)
Freedom Riders shows an important chapter in anti-segregation history. And in a time of racial and social turmoil, it’s a great film to remind you of what is truly important.
Looking at the true events of 400 Caucasian and African Americans who toured throughout the segregated South. Their mission was to preach anti-segregation and show that living in harmony was preferable to racism.
It was a moment in history that many people would probably not know existed or would say it sound like a Hollywood plot. It did really happen however. For those of us lucky enough to live in a world where segregation is not government enforced, this documentary will really make you appreciate what you have.
It doesn’t hurt that the documentary is impeccably filmed and paced. Well worth the time to seek it out and watch it!
So those are our picks for some of the best, influential and amazing documentaries for Black History Month! Whether it’s a heartbreaking tragedy, historical significance or an amazing reminder of human kindness.
Let us know what you think of these films. Any you would have replaced or any that you have seen? Be sure to leave us a comment and let us know what you think!
