During February, we commemorate Black History Month, a time dedicated to recognizing African Americans' profound impact on history. This year, the Association for the Study of African American Life and History (ASAALH) announced that the theme for Black History Month in 2024 will be "African Americans and the Arts." This theme highlights the impactful contributions of Black people to the artistic fields that define our world. To honor the impact and talent of African Americans in the arts, we've compiled a collection of films, shows, albums, and books dedicated to Black stories created by Black artists.
Films
Rustin (2023)
"Rustin" is a compelling biographical drama portraying the impact of Bayard Rustin (Colman Domingo), a pivotal civil rights activist often overshadowed by history. The film emphasizes Rustin's crucial role in organizing the historic 1963 March on Washington alongside Martin Luther King Jr. (Aml Ameen). Despite facing challenges as an openly gay man, Rustin's strategic brilliance and unwavering commitment shine through, offering a powerful exploration of his enduring impact on the civil rights movement. "Rustin" emphasizes the resilience of Bayard Rustin, whose contributions deserve broader recognition.
The Color Purple (2023)
The Color Purple, directed by Blitz Bazawule, is a cinematic adaptation of the Broadway musical and Alice Walker's Pulitzer Prize-winning novel. The movie's story focuses on Celie Johnson (Fantasia Barrino), a young Black woman living in the South in the early twentieth century, and the difficulties she experienced in life, emphasizing the friendships she made throughout her journey.
Till (2022)
In 1955, the violent murder of 14-year-old African American Emmett Till in Mississippi, who was wrongfully accused of whistling at a white woman, became a tragic symbol of racial injustice. "Till" tells the story of Emmett's mother, Mamie Till-Bradley (Danielle Deadwyler), who bravely sought justice for her son. The film is dedicated to her life and legacy, highlighting her significant role in the Civil Rights Movement. "Till" is a moving testament to Mamie Till's resilience, transforming personal grief into an inspiration for change. Mamie Till's unrelenting pursuit of justice has left an impression on history, reminding us of the ongoing struggle for racial equality.
TV Shows
The Hair Tales
This Hulu Original honors the identity, beauty, culture, and humanity of Black women, all told through the stories of their hair. The show, which is executive produced by Michaela Angela Davis, Tracee Ellis Ross, and Oprah Winfrey, connects the individual experiences of Black women to broader societal issues. These stories offer an honest and comprehensive look at the complex relationship between Black hair and identity, revealing the cultural intricacies and significance within this aspect of personal expression.
Genius: MLK/X
The docu-drama series delves into the early years of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. (Kelvin Harrison Jr.) and Malcolm X (Aaron Pierre), exploring the profound influence of their fathers and the injustices they endured. As their stories unfold, the series examines how these two iconic figures forged their identities and emerged as significant civil rights leaders. "Genius: MLK/X" offers a compelling glimpse into the personal struggles and triumphs that shaped the extraordinary contributions of King and X to the civil rights movement.
High on the Hog: How African American Cuisine Transformed America
A compelling series crafted by an all-Black creative team, ensuring an authentic exploration of African American culinary history. The show begins in Africa and traces the impact of slavery in the United States on the evolution of food and customs. It provides viewers with a vivid portrayal of the customs, tastes, and inventions that have significantly influenced American cuisine. This thought-provoking series is a celebration of resilience and creativity, illustrating how African American chefs and home cooks have left a lasting impact that has changed America's cooking.
Albums
Jazz is Dead 001 by Adrian Young and Ali Shaheed Muhammad
On this album, artists Adrain Young and Ali Shaheed Muhammad, both noted for their contributions to hip-hop and R&B, work together to combine traditional jazz components with modern production techniques. The album modernizes jazz while honoring the genre's historical roots in the United States, honoring Black musical legacy and its ongoing progress.
What Now by Brittany Howard
Brittany Howard's latest album showcases her exceptional ability to navigate multiple genres, highlighting her versatility and unwillingness to conform. This distinctive approach makes her contribution to Black musical expression particularly impactful. The album serves as a challenge to listeners, encouraging them to embrace the diverse mix of musical diversity that Howard bravely explores.
A Seat at the Table by Solange
R&B, funk, and soul are all expertly blended on Solange's 2016 album "A Seat at the Table," which is a profound exploration of Black identity and empowerment. The album becomes even more significant during Black History Month since it explores themes of resiliency, self-discovery, and the experiences of Black people in America. The album is a statement on the ongoing fight for racial equality as well as a celebration of Black culture.
Books
The Black Joy Project by Kleaver Cruz
"The Black Joy Project" is a visually spectacular global celebration of Black joy, mixing bright photos with fascinating writings. The book explores joy in systemic difficulties. It depicts Black Joy as a powerful force that coexists with resistance, uprisings, and everyday life experiences. The book depicts the dual realities of joy and systemic traumas through art and words, offering healing and regeneration to the Black community. It is an essential addition for anyone looking for a powerful picture of Black joy's resilience and power.
More Than a Dream: The Radical March on Washington for Jobs and Freedom by Yohuru Williams and Michael G. Long
"More Than a Dream" investigates the 1963 March on Washington for Jobs and Freedom, challenging what is commonly thought about Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.'s iconic "I Have a Dream" speech. This book highlights the march's radical roots, the often-overlooked contributions of Black women and socialist organizers, and the pressing demands for jobs and freedom. The book, which uses Black newspaper stories and black-and-white images, provides another perspective on this critical moment in American history, re-educating readers on the under-appreciated aspects of the racial justice and civil rights protests.
How Beautiful We Were by Mbue Imbolo
The narrative portrays a fictional community living in fear due to environmental degradation caused by an American oil company, depicting the dire consequences of profit-driven actions. The story navigates through pipeline spills, toxic water, and a government led by a self-serving dictator. The novel examines the deep effects of Western greed and colonialism on a community committed to protecting its ancestral land by following the perspectives of a generation of children and the revolutionary path of a young lady named Thula.
