Black history month is a time to celebrate the contributions of African Americans to society. Here are 10 films that celebrate famous black people and their contributions to society, focusing on inventions, scientific discoveries, and other society-saving achievements:
- Hidden Figures (2016): This film tells the story of three African American women who worked at NASA and played a key role in the success of the Apollo 11 mission. The women, Katherine Johnson, Dorothy Vaughan, and Mary Jackson, were instrumental in the development of the space program and helped to break down racial barriers in the process.
- The Immortal Life of Henrietta Lacks (2017): This film is based on the true story of Henrietta Lacks, an African American woman whose cancer cells were used without her knowledge to develop the polio vaccine, gene mapping, and other medical breakthroughs. The film explores the ethical implications of using human tissue for scientific research.
- The Tuskegee Airmen (1995): This film tells the story of the first African American pilots to serve in the United States military. The Tuskegee Airmen were instrumental in breaking down racial barriers in the military and paved the way for future generations of African American pilots.
- Selma (2014): This film tells the story of the 1965 Selma to Montgomery voting rights marches led by Martin Luther King Jr. The marches were a pivotal moment in the civil rights movement and helped to secure voting rights for African Americans.
- The Color Purple (1985): This film is based on the Pulitzer Prize-winning novel by Alice Walker and tells the story of Celie, an African American woman living in the South in the early 20th century. The film explores themes of racism, sexism, and the power of sisterhood. !The Color Purple
- Malcolm X (1992): This film tells the story of the life of Malcolm X, an African American Muslim minister and human rights activist. Malcolm X was a prominent figure in the civil rights movement and advocated for black self-determination and separation from white society.
- The Butler (2013): This film tells the story of Cecil Gaines, an African American butler who served in the White House during the presidencies of eight different presidents. The film explores the civil rights movement and the changing attitudes towards race in America.
- The Help (2011): This film is based on the novel by Kathryn Stockett and tells the story of African American maids working in white households in Jackson, Mississippi during the early 1960s. The film explores themes of racism, sexism, and the power of storytelling.
- Fruitvale Station (2013): This film is based on the true story of Oscar Grant, an African American man who was shot and killed by a police officer in Oakland, California in 2009. The film explores themes of police brutality and racial profiling.
- Get on the Bus (1996): This film tells the story of a group of African American men who travel from Los Angeles to Washington D.C. to attend the Million Man March. The film explores themes of black masculinity, fatherhood, and the power of community.
These films are a great way to celebrate Black History Month and learn more about the contributions of African Americans to society.
