By: Jalen Bullock
With February being Black History Month, here are a few films with a strong African-American lead to celebrate this month.
Hidden Figures:
Starring Taraji P. Henson, Octavia Spencer, and Janelle Monáe, this movie tells the story of three brilliant African-American women who helped the United States win the International Space Race while facing the racial issues faced in the 50’s and 60’s. You are able to watch this movie with a Disney+ subscription.
A Ballerina’s Tale:
A documentary based on the rise to fame of Misty Copeland and how she was able to become the first principal dancer at New York’s prestigious Ballet Theater, while being African-American. This is available on streaming services such as Amazon Prime, Sling TV Premium, Youtube, iTunes, and Google Play.
Safety:
Based on the true-life story of former Clemson football player, Ray McElrathbey, this movie displays the realities of addiction and absent parents, and how a community can come together. This is available on Disney+.
Hair Spray:
A movie adaptation of the musical which not only displays the segregation faced by African-Americans in the 1960’s, but also the discrimination all women faced regarding issues such as weight and sexism. This is available on HBO MAX.
Loving:
Based on the story of Richard and Mildred Loving and the Supreme Court case of 1967, this movie dipicts the discrimantion interracial couples faced in the 60’s. This is available on Netflix.
Coming to America:
A comedy starring Eddie Murphy about a prince from a wealthy African country coming to America to find a wife. If not just for a good laugh, you can find deep meanings hidden behind the jokes in this film. This is available on Amazon Prime.
Moonlight:
An academy award winning film starring award winning actors such as Mahershala Ali and Janelle Monáe, this movie shows the reality of a young Black man struggling to find his identity in the harsh environment of Miami. This movie is available on Netflix.
Black Panther:
A Marvel movie with a predominantly African-American cast and a African-American director that displays Africa in a good light. Featuring actors such as award winning actress Lupita Nyong’o, Michael B. Jordan, and the late Chadwick Boseman, Black Panther is a movie where African-Americans can see a superhero movie where the lead roles is someone who looks like them. This movie is available on Disney+.
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