(Photo Credits: Screengrab from Black LGBT Historical Society’s YouTube Account)
Black History Month is a time to celebrate, reflect, and educate ourselves on the contributions, struggles, and resilience of Black communities. Movies are a powerful way to explore these stories, and this list includes both essential historical films and groundbreaking LGBTQ+ movies.
1. The Color Purple (1985 & 2023)
Based on Alice Walker’s novel, this emotional story follows Celie, a Black woman facing abuse, resilience, and love in early 20th-century America. The 2023 musical adaptation brings a fresh take to this classic.
Why Watch? A bold reimagining of the classic story, this musical adaptation (starring Fantasia Barrino, Taraji P. Henson, and Danielle Brooks) delves into themes of Black sisterhood, survival, and queer identity.
2. The Dads (2023)
Why Watch? The Dads (2023) is a heartfelt documentary that follows a group of fathers who have gay or transgender children as they embark on a transformative journey. Through candid conversations and emotional storytelling, the film explores their struggles, growth, and unwavering love for their kids. It highlights the power of acceptance, challenging societal norms while showcasing the deep bond between parents and their LGBTQ+ children.
3. Brother to Brother (2004)
This film bridges past and present, as a young Black gay artist befriends an elderly man who was part of the Harlem Renaissance. It sheds light on the historical struggles of Black queer artists.
4. B-Boy Blues (2021)
Based on the classic novel by James Earl Hardy, this film explores the passionate yet complicated romance between two Black men from different walks of life, offering an intimate look at love and masculinity in the Black community.
5. The Inspection (2022)
Why Watch? Jeremy Pope gives a deeply moving performance as a young gay Black man who enlists in the Marines to prove himself to his homophobic mother. This film remains an important watch for conversations around masculinity, queerness, and resilience. You can watch this film on Prime Video and Apple TV.
Which of these films have you seen? Do you have any other favorites that deserve a spot on the list? Share it in the comments section below!
Happy viewing!
Zebra History Month?
LOL!!! LOL!!! LOL!!!
I would also add the movie “Hidden Figures” to the list. It reveals the racism and sexism in the early U.S. space program, and the courage and resolve these black women showed to help get John Gleen into orbit and the space program off the ground.
I watched this one, it’s great! It’s based on real-life stories, too!
what about the movie called THE HELP, that will make you cry and smile and shocked too.
ohhh! I would love to watch this one.
Don’t think so. It was a very stupid movie based on a book written by a white woman who didn’t have a clue. But, the book and the movie made money (again) on the backs of black people from a very white point of view. Really quite awful.
Origin