Are you sure you want to mark this comment as inappropriate? This Jay-Z-produced, six-part documentary series explores the case of Kalief Browder, a 16-year-old boy from New York who was accused of stealing a backpack. The film stars Michael B. Jordan as Oscar Grant, and was Ryan Coogler's feature directorial debut. Ava DuVernay’s documentary is named for the 13th amendment that supposedly put an end to enslavement—but the work of scholars and activists reveals a new form of slavery continues in the form of prisons and our education system. And that’s because saying you’re “not racist” isn’t enough in a society where everyone is conditioned by racist institutions, practices, and behavior every day. When They See Us is a harrowing dramatisation of the Central Park Five case of 1989. Keep on reading for five documentaries about Black history to stream on Netflix, Hulu, and more. Using his own audio diaries, I am Ali depicts the life of the man who said “I am America, I am the part you won’t recognize… Black, confident, cocky. If you have the privilege of needing to learn about racism in the first place, consider yourself lucky. Mark P. Reilly was not charged for his crime by an all white jury. As Black Lives Matter protests continue, it is even more important be educated about racial injustice. Reckoning with racism and the broken systems that have resulted in the deaths of people like George Floyd, Breonna Taylor, Ahmaud Arbery, and so many more, is a lifelong effort. That same benefit was not afforded to people killed as a result of police brutality—and it’s why we all must show up. Using never-before heard recordings, rare archival footage and her best-known songs, this is the story of legendary singer and activist Nina Simone. The show addresses police brutality, mass incarceration, the persecution of black transgender women, and most vividly, the #SayHerName movement. My religion, not yours. When it feels exhausting, consider that nearly every other person of color, especially Black people, already live their lives reckoning with race to begin with. This well-made documentary follows the story of five young black boys who were wrongfully convicted of raping and killing a white woman in … The streaming platform is home to countless documentaries, many of which offer us a powerful look at our history and culture — as well as some of our best (and worst) moments as a country. Create an account ›. My goals, my own. In America, it’s also Black History Month — the annual celebration of the achievements, history, and excellence of Black Americans. Explained: The Racial Wealth Gap manages to look into how slavery, housing discrimination, and centuries of systemic inequalities can cause a racial wealth gap - and it does it all in 16 minutes. The film touches on the lack of funding, lack of quality teaching for black children, and the leaders who are working to change the system. This historical drama follows two World War II veterans, one black, one white, who return to rural Mississippi, and confront the realities of prejudice, racism, PTSD and friendship in the divided World War II era. Nearing the end of his probation, ex-convict Colin, who lives in Oakland, just wants to avoid prison - but the reckless behaviour of his white best friend Miles doesn't make it easy. This Black History Month, take some time to celebrate and educate yourself with some good, old-fashioned Netflix time. Natasha then unexpectedly crosses paths with Daniel, while in the process of avoiding deportation to Jamaica, and the pair fall in love. Please note that if you purchase something by clicking on a link within this story, we may receive a small commission of the sale and the retailer may receive certain auditable data for accounting purposes. Get used to me.”. While many are finally beginning to know her name, fewer know the story of Johnson’s suspicious death in 1992. Shop Wedge Sandals, Long Sleeve Maxi Dresses, Metallic Shoes, Tees and more. People of Color have served in the U.S. Armed Forces ever since there. This seven season series Orange Is the New Black begins when Piper Chapman, a white woman, goes to jail for money laundering, and has to cope inside an American female prison. Watch and learn how criminalization disproportionally affects Black citizens, for reasons far beyond the crime itself. Natasha lives in New York City with her parents Samuel and Patricia, and her brother Peter, all of whom are illegally in the country. This Black History Month, take some time to celebrate and educate yourself with some good, old-fashioned Netflix time. Our mission at STYLECASTER is to bring style to the people, and we only feature products we think you’ll love as much as we do. Luckily, Netflix has a generous selection of these - here’s a list of some of the many documentaries, films and TV shows about race and racism: In Ava DuVernay’s documentary, activists, politicians and formerly incarcerated people analyse the criminalisation of African Americans, focusing on injustice and mass incarceration in the US. Gay liberation today owes much to Marsha P. Johnson, a pioneering Black transgender woman who fought for change during the Stonewall uprising of 1969. Natasha and her family are set to be deported back to Jamaica. Get this widget. It’s February — the shortest month of the year and that in-between month when Winter should really be Spring already. (Countries like Canada and the UK also devote months to celebrating Black History). This revolutionary group changed history for Black Americans, providing communities with the tools and protection they needed to resist the police state. Netflix doesn’t have a large library of great black-directed movies because, well, Hollywood hasn’t produced these projects over the years. Walker. The film tells the story of Grant’s life prior the the event, and the effects of the injustice. Mary J. Blige also became the first person to ever be nominated for an acting and song award during the same year. Mudbound is a historical drama follows two World War II veterans, one black, one white, who return to rural Mississippi. TheEverygirl.com is part of the Domino Collective. The most recently released documentary on this list, you can join former first lady Michelle Obama in an intimate film looking at her life. The documentary is directed by William Ford Jnr’s brother, Yance Ford, and includes powerful interviews from the family about how their lives were altered and shaped by the horrific crime. I’m used to working hard to achieve my One way to start the journey is with these documentaries. This documentary takes a look at how school segregation didn’t. If you thought slavery really ended in America over 400 years ago, think again. Following a scene early on in which Collin witnesses a white police officer shoot a black man with no provocation, the film expresses the mental toll it takes on him, and how it almost comes between his and Miles's friendship. Director Raoul Peck recognized this and so decided to deliver a film version of the book Baldwin never finished, Remember This House. This gritty, dark and emotional series is about the death of a 15-year-old African American boy in Jersey City, which sets off a police cover-up and a search for the truth. When beloved inmate Poussey Washington (Samira Wiley) is killed by a prison guard who suffocates her, this leads leads to a prison riot which lasts almost a whole season. This Oscar-nominated documentary explores the murder of William Ford Jnr, a black 24-year-old teacher who was killed by a white 19-year-old mechanic in … James Baldwin’s words are always relevant. The film is led by her friend and activist Victoria Cruz, who celebrates Marsha’s life, but also probes her suspicious and mysterious death. Not all of it will be easy, though—and that’s the point. Having just premiered a few months ago, this series shines a light on America's first female self-made millionaire, Madam C.J. Her friend, the Afro-Indigenous activist Victoria Cruz, investigates the truth in this important documentary. a U.S. Armed Forces, and yet their stories have gone mostly untold. This 2017 documentary displays how decades on since Brown v. Board of Education (a landmark decision ruling it unconstitutional to continue racial segregation in public schools), American schools remain largely segregated. Portraying another unjust death of a black man at the hands of white police officers, in 2009, 22-year-old Oscar Grant was kneed in the head and shot by police officers responding to a report of a subway station fight. The documentaries below explore just a few of the many facets of Black history and life in Americans: Humans who overcame great oppression, artists who shaped and created culture, and movements that changed the world. The history behind the gesture, Books and resources to help kids understand racism, How to donate to Black Lives Matter even if money is tight, Show{{#moreThan3}} {{value_total}}{{/moreThan3}} comments, You may not agree with our views, or other users’, but please respond to them respectfully, Swearing, personal abuse, racism, sexism, homophobia and other discriminatory or inciteful language is not acceptable, Do not impersonate other users or reveal private information about third parties, We reserve the right to delete inappropriate posts and ban offending users without notification. Announcing: The Everygirl Media Group Foundation and $20,000 in Grants! Keep on reading for five documentaries about Black history to stream on Netflix, Hulu, and more. By Tiffany Unscripted Growing up black had its challenges, but I never allowed it to be detrimental to my life. It is based on the biography On Her Own Ground by A’Lelia Bundles. I knew I had to work harder than most to succeed. The film charts Northrup’s twelve years on a southern plantation, as well as his efforts to escape. Black trans women are some of the most marginalised people in society, and this documentary is a fitting tribute. Despite never being convicted, Kalief was imprisoned for three years, two of them spent in solitary confinement. Becoming follows Michelle Obama as she travels around the US on the 34-stop book tour for her memoir of the same name. It follows Michelle Obama as she travels around the US on the 34-stop book tour for her memoir of the same name. here. It most notably stars Carey Mulligan and Mary J. Blige. Protests against police brutality have erupted across the country following the killing of George Floyd at the hands of Minneapolis police. It is known to be one of the first of many viral videos of police misconduct. This documentary takes a look at how school segregation didn’t truly end with Brown vs. Board of Education, and how that sparked a social justice movement to bring equal access to quality education to all students in America. This Black History Month, take some time to celebrate and educate yourself with some good, old-fashioned Netflix time. As with 13th, Ava DuVernay is behind this TV drama based on the true case of 1989’s Central Park Five, when five black teenagers from New York were convicted of a brutal rape case they did not commit. Classically-trained pianist and legendary singer Nina Simone lived an iconic, complicated, and oftentimes melancholy life, with the height of her career coinciding with the height of the American Civil Rights Movement. Start a discussion in the comments! The Death and Life of Marsha P. Johnson (2017) Gay liberation today owes much to … OUR OCTOBER 2020 TECH BACKGROUNDS ARE HERE! The series shows how the young boys were forced by police officers into falsely confessing. People of Color have served in the U.S. Armed Forces ever since there was a U.S. Armed Forces, and yet their stories have gone mostly untold. He died later that day. Whether you’re out protesting or looking to support the Black Lives Matter movement at home, it’s worth taking some time in the coming weeks to watch these Black history documentaries. The streaming platform is home to countless documentaries, many of which offer us a powerful look at our history and culture — as well as some of our best (and worst) moments as a country.