Documentaries on Race and Black History in the U.S.
The history books I read in schools I have attended in the United States did not include much Black history. As an avid documentary watcher, I wanted to share a few documentaries on race and Black history in the U.S. that can help educate you on the many missing stories in our history books.
Documentaries are a great way to bridge the gap that is missing in our educational systems. The current climate of the world has brought the many inequities Black people experience to light. I am hopeful that many people have opened themselves up to learn and listen more. There are many resources available across streaming services such as Netflix, PBS, YouTube, Hulu, HBO, and Prime so there is no excuse for not watching them.
In addition, if you enjoy books or podcasts, check out these Books and Podcasts by Black Storytellers I curated for Black history month this year.
Below is a list of insightful documentaries on Race and Black History:
PBS
The Talk-Race in America | 1h 54m 25
Captures the conversations parents of color are having with their children about what to do if stopped by the police.
Slavery by Another Name | 1h 30m
This documentary challenges the notion that slavery ended after the Emancipation of Proclamation and sheds light on a new servitude system that was implemented in the South.
Separate and Unequal | 53m 41s
Examines a group of mostly white parents in Baton Rouge, Louisiana trying to create a separate school district that will most likely leave behind many Black students.
Black America Since MLK: And Still I Rise | 4h
A series that explores the personal journey of Henry Louis Gates Jr. through the past fifty years of Black history in the US.
PBS also has a long list of titles in their Black Culture Connection section.
NETFLIX
LA 92 | 1h 54m
Documents the period in Los Angeles, California following the acquittal of four white police officers that were caught on tape assaulting Rodney King. Tensions were escalated between the Korean and Black community following the shooting of Latasha Harlins by a convenience store owner.
13th | 1h 40m
A film by Ava DuVernay exploring the history of mass incarceration in the United States, focusing on the disproportional imprisonment of African-Americans.
Explained | Racial Wealth Gap | 16m 15
A close look at the contributions of slavery, housing discrimination, and inequality to the staggering disparities in wealth.
The Life and Death of Marsha P. Johnson | 1 h 45m
Details the life and legacy of Marsha P. Johnson, an iconic activist, through Victoria Cruz’s journey to unveil the truth behind Marsha’s death.
When They See Us | 4h 56m
Another film by Ava DuVernay detailing the story of the five Black teens from Harlem that were falsely accused of assaulting a raping a jogger in central park.
Netflix has also curated a collection of movies and documentaries focused on Black stories and history in the Black Lives Matter section.
YOUTUBE
Black Wall Street | 42m
The story of the racially motivated attack on the Greenwood District of Tulsa, Oklahoma, which was the wealthiest Black community in the US. The attack resulted in an estimated 55 to 300 deaths, over 800 injuries, detainment of more than 6,000 residents, and over $26 million in property damages.
How Redlining Shaped Black America As We Know It | The Root | 8m 28
For decades, the practice of “redlining” actively created racially segregated neighborhoods in cities across the country, including Boston. Stephanie Leydon reports on an exhibit in Boston that explores how federal housing policy created boundaries and disparities that continue today.
How Racism Makes Us Sick | TEDMED | 17m 28
David R. Williams talks about the implications of racism on the health and the quality of care for people of color.
Eliminating Microaggressions: The Next Level of Inclusion | 8m 59
In this Ted talk, Tiffany Alvoid describes microaggressions and how they manifest as well as practical tips to address them.
HULU
Kiki | 1h 34m
A film that captures the lives and struggles of LGBTQI+ youth of color in New York City in a thriving underground ballroom scene.
4 Little Girls | 1h 42m
The story of four African-American girls(Cynthia Wesley, Carol Denise McNair, Carole Rosamond Robertson, Addie May Collins) who were murdered in the 16th Street Baptist Church bombing in Birmingham, Alabama in 1963.
Crime + Punishment | 1h 52m
During a landmark lawsuit over illegal policing quotas in New York City, filmmakers document the lives of a group of Latino and Black officers over a period of years as they bring harmful policing practices on young minorities to light.
Black Stories Presents Your Attention Please | 1h 12m 10
Hosted by Craig Robinson, this documentary highlights Black creatives that are blazing the trail for future generations in a three-part series.
You can watch more movies in Hulu’s Celebrating Black Stories section.
HBO
Traffic Stop | 31m
The story of Breaion King, a young African-American school teacher who was stopped for a traffic infraction in Austin, Texas leading to a brutal arrest.
3 1/2 Minutes, 10 Bullets | 1h 38m
The film examines the killing of Jordan Davis, an African-American kid who was shot approximately ten times at a gas station in Jacksonville, Florida by Michael Dunn over playing loud music.
Baltimore Rising | 1 hr 33 min
Captures the struggles of activists, residents, and police officers in Baltimore after the death of Freddie Gray, an African American man who died in police custody.
True Justice: Bryan Stevenson's Fight for Equality | 1 hr 41 min
A documentary focused on a lawyer and activist Bryan Stevenson, who seeks to fight racial inequality in the criminal justice system.
You can find more movies and series on HBO under the section "The Continued Fight for Civil Rights.” They have also listed a few titles to watch for free on the HBO YouTube Channel.
PRIME
Dark Girls | 1h 15m
Explores the deep-rooted bias, prejudice, and colorism women with darker skin face in the world.
I Am Not Your Negro | 1h 35m
An envisioning of an incomplete manuscript James Baldwin left behind after his death in 1987. His project, “Remember the House” was his personal account of the history of racism in the United States as well as the assassinations of notable civil rights leaders.
The Black Power Mixtape | 1h 40m
Documents the evolution of the Black Power movement in American history from 1967 to 1975 featuring footage from interviews with leaders and activists central to the movement.
Black History Activators | 1h 15m
A collection of the most notable individuals and events in Black history, an important part of American history.
You can watch more movies and documentaries on Prime in the Black History, Hardship & Hope section.
I hope these documentaries are insightful and inspire you to continue listening and learning. When outside fully opens, if you have the opportunity/means, I also want to recommend visiting the National Museum of African American History and Culture in Washington DC. It’s one of the best museums I’ve ever visited and I learned so much about important parts of American history there.
As you continue to uplift and support Black communities, check out Black-Owned Fashion and Beauty Brands, and Black-Owned Restaurants in Seattle.
Thank you,
Ribicca