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This article is written by a student writer from the Her Campus at York U chapter.

It’s February, which means that it’s Black History Month. If you’d like to expand your knowledge  this month, watching some shockingly realistic movies about the true history of African Americans and why Black History Month is such an important milestone can help. Here is a list of movies, ranging from documentaries to some action packed movies surrounding powerful African American Movements in the early 1960s, that will help you to further understand and appreciate Black History Month.

 

The Loving Story

This moving 2011 documentary tells the real story of Richard and Mildred Loving, an interracial couple who went on a legal crusade in 1958 to secure the right to be married to each other. Their legal battle resulted in the landmark Supreme Court ruling in Loving v. Virginia, which made interracial marriage legal across the United States. You can view the trailer here!

Find it on: Netflix

Photo via IMDB

 

Mama Africa

In her decades-spanning career, Miriam Makeba became not only one of the most popular African singer in the world, but also the voice of the South African battle against apartheid. This comprehensive biographical documentary chronicles her humble beginnings, her artistry, her activism, and her subsequent exile from South Africa. You can view the trailer here!

Find it on: DocumentaryTube

Photo of Miriam Makeba and Nelson Mandela in Mama Africa via IMDB

 

Tangerine

Shot entirely on an iPhone 5s, Tangerine is one of the most important films exploring the “black experience” to come out in the last 20 years. The film focuses on two black trans woman sex workers as they navigate their complicated friendship and the everyday realities of survival. You can view the trailer here!

Find it on: Netflix

Photo via IMDB

 

Something From Nothing: The Art of Rap

Common, Nas, Ice-T, KRS-One and Kanye West are among some of the hip-hop heavy weights who appear in this documentary that chronicles not only the history, but also the underrated artistry behind rap music. You can view the trailer here!

Find it on: Netflix

Photo via IMDB

 

Malcolm X

While he’ll always be remembered for the stellar film Do the Right Thing, Malcolm X is in many ways a Spike Lee masterpiece. The sweeping tale featuring an iconic performance by Denzel Washington offers an alternative, comprehensive and deeply compelling narrative of the life of the civil rights hero. You can view the trailer here!

Find it on: iTunes

Photo via IMDB

 

These movie are considered to be classics and are not limited to be watched during Black History Month. But if you ever needed a reason to watch them, this would be a great time. Take a few hours and indulge in the vastly extraordinary and revolutionary history that comes from the black community.

 

Just your average girl writing about some above average content 
Wilfrid Laurier University Alumna - BA Honours History & Minor in Sociology and Religion and Culture. York University B.Ed. Her Campus York U Campus Correspondent/ HSA Advisor/ Chapter Advisor.  When I'm not leading the team, advising, or writing you'll find me watching any and every reality T.V show or re-runs of Friends and Gilmore Girls. Semi-classy wine lady who thinks pineapple on pizza is a crime.