As part of Unconquered Peaks’ observance of Black History Month in America, I have made a list of the best documentaries, films or series to watch that help us to understand the topic and educate ourselves in a simple, enriching way.
- The 13th (documentary)
PG: 15
Where to watch: Netflix
This is a fantastic documentary to begin to understand the flaws in the United States justice system, which has been systematically incarcerating and oppressing African Americans disproportionately for decades. It is named after the Thirteenth Amendment to the US constitution, which declared the abolition of slavery. Political activists, historians, and writers come together in this to explore the history of racial inequality in America.
- 12 years a slave (historical drama)
PG: 15
Where to watch: Netflix, Prime Video
A beautifully emotive period piece that describes the story of a free Black man who is sold into slavery for 12 years in the deep south. On meeting an abolitionist during his 12th year, the protagonist seeks an escape from his oppressors. A great film to watch to empathise with the struggles of African American citizens pre-Civil War.
- Lincoln (historical drama)
PG: 13
Where to watch: YouTube, Prime Video, Netflix, Google Player
Starting one year before the end of the Civil War in the US, ‘Lincoln’ (directed by Steven Spielberg) follows President Abraham Lincoln’s journey to ending the war and abolishing slavery through the creation of the 13th Amendment. It is a perfect movie to watch to understand how change truly began for Black citizens who had been previously oppressed and forced into slavery.
- Selma
PG: 12
Where to watch: Netflix, BBC, Prime Video, Sky
A touching film depicting Dr Martin Luther King Jr’s march from Selma to Montgomery in the United States, in an effort to dismantle racial inequalities in voting. It resulted in President Johnson’s signing of the Voting Rights Act of 1965, making it possible for African American citizens to vote easily and legally in free and fair elections. It really helps to educate about the movements that arose after the Civil Rights act of 1964 and to explore the aftermath of segregation in American politics.
- Who killed Malcolm X? (historical series)
PG: 12
Where to watch: Netflix
This is a fascinating mini-series which follows the 30-year-long investigation by Abdur Rahman Muhammad into the death of legendary civil rights activist Malcolm X. Its strategic and short structure has led to further speculation and the possible reopening of the case of who murdered the political figure.
- The Black Power Mixtape (documentary)
PG: 13
Where to watch: Prime Video
An incredibly interesting documentary film about the experience of Swedish television journalists who travelled to the US to document the evolution of the Black Power movement from the years 1967-75. It features many unguided, intimate interviews with the leaders of the movement such as Angela Davis, Stokely Carmichael and Louis Farrakhan and is super helpful to get to know the revolutionary dialogue of that period.
- Mandela: Long Walk to Freedom
PG: 12
Where to watch: Netflix, YouTube, Prime Video, BBC
The film is based on the South African President Nelson Mandela’s autobiography, under the same title. It follows the world icon’s journey from a rural, humble life, to that of an anti-apartheid activist who became imprisoned in 1964, leading all the way up to his eventual Presidency in 1994. Mandela is played excellently by the British actor Idris Elba.
- Free Angela and All Political Prisoners
PG: 7+
Where to watch: Prime Video, Apple (iTunes movie)
An interesting insight and reflection on the trial of revolutionary activist Angela Davis for her role in the 1970 California courtroom takeover. It also chronicles the dangerous events Davis was subjected to during her fight against the unjust imprisonment of Black citizens in the US.
