Events celebrating black people and their historic achievements don’t have to be limited to February. There are many ways to celebrate Black influence in America, whether it’s going to a museum or buying from a Black-owned business.
Still, if you’re looking for a way to celebrate and share the historical impact Black people have had on your children in your life, staying home and watching movies can be a fun learning experience for all involved. .
Here are some movies to watch during Black History Month, by age group.
Historical movies for kids (ages 6+)
“Cinderella” (1997) — Before Walt Disney Television decided to produce a remake of Charles Perrault’s French fairy tale Cinderella, there were countless works based on this story. The story of an abused daughter-in-law turned princess has been acted out in ballets, operas, musicals, and animated films, all by predominantly white actors. Brandi’s casting made her the first black actress to play Cinderella on screen. The film’s casting, which includes Whitney Houston, Whoopi Goldberg, Bernadette Peters, and Filipino-American actor Paolo Montalban, is a colorblind casting that offers young viewers a chance for everyone in the world. I’m sending you a message that I have space.
“March On! The Day the Martin Brothers Changed the World” (2010) — Quoting from the pages of a children’s book written by the sister of Martin Luther King Jr., the film saw Christine King Faris hear the late pastor give the “I have a dream” speech. I’m talking about the day
“The Princess and the Frog” (2009) — This Disney movie is a modern take on the classic Princess and the Frog story. Tiana, a waitress living in New Orleans, wants to have her own restaurant, but she ends up (you guessed it!) turning into a frog and chaos ensues. Tiana became Disney’s first animated black princess, and her debut proved to be a huge moment for both viewers and Disney, briefly returning to the project’s traditional hand-drawn animation style. Like the movie above, The Princess and the Frog is a great movie to start a conversation with young children about the history of representation and inclusivity in media.
“Hair Love” (2019) — This Oscar-winning animated short features a black father who must tie his daughter’s hair for the first time, essentially teaching her daughter to love her hair and herself. Ivy Carter (Beyoncé’s eldest daughter), voiced by Issa Rae.
Historical movies for children (ages 9+)
“The Watson Family Goes to Birmingham” (1963) — The Watson family, a black family, decided to take a road trip to Birmingham, Alabama. In the civil rights era, the Watson family develops new courage and familial ties grow stronger during a formative road trip.
“Garrett’s Gift” (2007) — Children will receive a lesson in the inspiring story of Garrett Morgan, inventor of the three-position traffic light. Queen Latifah tells the story of Morgan, the inventor of this short film, as a young boy unsure of his path until he moves to a big city and understands the value of inventing road safety measures. I will tell you.
“Our Friend, Martin” (1999) — this The animated educational film takes children on a journey back to the civil rights era via a modern day middle school student named Miles Woodman. When Miles is having trouble concentrating in school, he meets a museum curator who sends him back to various stages in the life of Martin Luther King Jr.
“Dancing in the Light: The Janet Collins Story” (2015) — Chris Rock tells the story of real-life ballerina Janet Collins, a dancer who was tapped to dance for the famous Ballets Russes in the 1930s. Collins is credited with breaking color boundaries with her classical ballet her arena.
“Remember the Titans” (2000) – Another movie based on a true story starring Denzel Washington. In Alexandria, Virginia, high school football plays an important role in the community and is loved by all. But when the school board forces all-black and all-white schools to consolidate, their football teams face challenges.
“The Ballerina Story” (2015) — Audiences get a glimpse into the story of Misty Copeland, who became the first black principal dancer at the New York American Ballet Theatre. We document her rise to stardom and examine the lack of expression in the world of ballet. This documentary also includes some stunning dancing her sequences.
“Space Jam” (1996) — Twenty years ago, pop culture revolved around Michael Jordan’s NBA reign. As well as being an exceptional athlete, Jordan’s athleticism and business acumen helped build a new image of what it meant to be black in America. “Space Jam” does not address the race-related issues that ravaged America in the 90s. Instead, it puts Jordan in a kid-friendly setting where Looney Tunes exists and requires his skill to win a basketball game against a group of malevolent aliens. It’s a movie that inspires conversations with children about its contributions to modern times.
Historical movies for kids (12+)
“To Sir, With Love” (1967) — Based on the same autobiographical novel, ‘To Sir, with Love’ tells the story of a teacher forced to grapple with the social, economic and racial problems plaguing an inner-city London school. Beyond its themes, this classic film also manages to give credit to the story of lead actor and Presidential Medal of Freedom recipient Sidney Poitier. For his activity and entertainment work, Poitier painted a new, unconventional picture of what it means to be black.
“Crooklyn” (1994) — Directed by Spike Lee, this semi-autobiographical film is set in New York’s Brooklyn neighborhood where a 10-year-old girl lives with her family. The film industry consistently falls short when it comes to portraying black girlhood. That, combined with the cultural impact Lee has had on the film, makes this a great conversation starter for kids.
“American Girl Story: Melody 1963 — Love Must Win” (2016) — Based on the famous series of puppets (whose initial desire was to detail issues of American history such as child labor, slavery, war, and racism), this story dives into the civil rights movement. An American Girl Story: Melody 1963 introduces young viewers to Melody Ellison, a black girl who faces racism and discrimination in her community and school. Children will gain insight into what older generations have experienced at their age.
“42” (2013) — This biopic tells the story of Jackie Robinson, the first black MLB player in history. Jackie is played by the late Chadwick Boseman, best known for Black Panther.
“Hidden Figures” (2016) — Based on a true story, the film, starring Octavia Spencer, Taraji P. Henson, and Janelle Monae, focuses on the key roles played by three black female mathematicians who worked for NASA in the Space Race. increase.
“The Wiz” (1978) — This reimagining of L. Frank Baum’s classic children’s novel The Wizard of Oz was a box office failure. Still, in the decades since the release of the musical (which boasts an impressive line-up of black icons such as Diana Ross, Lena Horne, Richard Pryor, and Michael Jackson), the classic cult Set in 1978, a time when jazz, R&B music and graffiti art flourished, and featuring an impressive cast of long-time acclaimed singers, the film explores the influence of black culture on the era. is the timestamp of
