Review | Four essential films to watch during Black History Month

The American education system has distorted Black history perception. Here are four essential films you should watch this Black History Month that don’t equate Black history with slavery. Photo illustration by SAM ANDRUS, Photo Editor

Colonization and slavery have shaped the present struggles of Black America, but they do not represent Black history. Many of us grew up in the American education system, which frequently frames slavery as the epitome of the Black experience in the United States. During this year’s Black History Month — and during every other month, too — I’m here to advise you to widen your view and discover the versatility of Black excellence. 

Here’s a brief list of four films to watch this February to jumpstart your experience.

“Hidden Figures,” directed by Theodore Melfi

Set in 1960s Virginia and based on a true story, this film surrounds three Black women whose arithmetic calculations for NASA become essential to many space missions, like John Glenn’s groundbreaking orbiting of the Earth. Katherine Johnson (Taraji P. Henson), the film’s protagonist, is assigned to a task force attempting to get Glenn into orbit, Mary Jackson (Janelle Monae) becomes NASA’s first Black female engineer and Dorothy Vaughan (Octavia Spencer) becomes NASA’s first Black manager. Johnson, Jackson and Vaughan all become a part of NASA’s group of “human computers,” people tasked with computing calculations before the development of more complex calculation systems. Their careers launch during America's segregation era, but the women never shy away from allowing their abilities to shine through in a room full of white men — a group that previously dominated NASA. Different from many Black films, this one focuses on the intelligence and achievements of Black women rather than the forced history of slavery. Available on Hulu Premium and Amazon Prime Video.

“One Night in Miami,” directed by Regina King

Heavyweight boxing champion Sonny Liston fought Cassius Clay for the first time Feb. 25, 1964 in Miami Beach, Florida. This film represents the fictionalized narrative of a conversation that occurred before and after that fight between Clay (Eli Goree) and his close friends Jim Brown (Aldis Hodge), Sam Cooke (Leslie Odom Jr.) and Malcolm X (Kingsley Ben-Adir). Celebrities to the public, but close friends to one other, we are invited into their close circle to sit back and listen in on the deep conversations of prominent Black men. With the absence of white America, they are allowed to simply be themselves. Through the span of their conversations, they laugh, celebrate, engage in friendly banter and debate one another’s perceptions of the present and future of Black America. Through love and conflict, this film is relatable, emotional and highlights the humanity of Black Americans during an era of discrimination that white America often turns a blind eye to. Available on Amazon Prime Video.

Beyonce’s “Black is King”

While not technically a film, this visual album illustrates Black history and celebrates Black culture and people. Created as a companion to the latest rendition of “The Lion King,” “Black is King” pays homage to our ancestors and ourselves. A variety of songs in this project feature collaborations with African artists such as Mr Eazi, Tekno Miles and Yemi Alade, while also featuring prominent Black American artists such as Jay-Z, Pharrell and Childish Gambino. Through an all-Black cast and the music, wardrobe and visuals, this visual album embodies Black excellence by highlighting where we came from and who we are outside the chains of white colonialism and tainted lens of white America. Available on Disney+.

“Dreamgirls,” directed by Bill Condon

Set in the 1960s, Deena Jones (Beyonce Knowles-Carter), Effie White (Jennifer Hudson) and Lorrell Robinson (Anika Noni Rose) form a music trio called the “Dreamettes,” based on the real 1960s music trio the “Primettes,” which featured Diana Ross. Founded by the Black-owned record label Motown, the “Dreamettes” exemplify Black talent through soulful voices and Black culture through the genre of rhythm and blues. Furthermore, it is rare to see the portrayal of a heavier-set Black woman, in White’s performance, as a self-confident and sexually assertive individual when they’re usually included for comic relief to an audience. Available on Amazon Prime Video.