Black History Month: What to read, watch that celebrates Black stories
The journey of education about and understanding of the impacts of racism in America is continuous. However, while we want to learn about injustice, we also want to celebrate Black stories and shine a light on the immeasurable contributions of African Americans to our country. For Black History month, we’re sharing books, movies, TV shows, and artists that do just that.
The lists will be updated each week, so make sure to check back on Sundays!
Artists
Latosha Stone
Creator of the first Black woman-owned skateboard and streetwear company, Proper Gnar.
Philomena Kane
Founder of KINApparel, a company aiming to revolutionize hair care with fashion through satin-lined hoodie and other products.
Jazmin Anita
Artist who is an active duty service-member and “strives to create, focusing on marginalized groups and representing them in ethereal, magnificent lights.”
Michelle Robinson
Artist who sells paintings and prints. She says, “My style is continually transforming and I find great pleasure in welcoming this creative metamorphosis.”
Gregory Prescott
A self-taught photographer whose “mission is to diversify the cultural spectrum in fine art photography, with classic and timeless pieces.”
Salaam Muhammad
Artist who “continues to capture the profound beauty of life through the combination of color, texture, and symbolism in his work.”
TV Shows
Insecure
Where to watch: HBO Max
The Get Down
Where to watch: Netflix
She’s Gotta Have It
Where to watch: Netflix
Atlanta
Where to watch: Hulu
Black-ish
Where to watch: ABC or Hulu
Who Killed Malcolm X?
Where to watch: Netflix
Watchmen
Where to watch: HBO Max or Hulu
Lovecraft Country
Where to watch: HBO Max or Hulu
When They See Us
Where to watch: Netflix
Pose
Where to watch: Netflix
Dear White People
Where to watch: Netflix
I May Destroy You
Where to watch: HBO Max or Hulu
Movies
Do the Right Thing
Written, produced, and directed by Spike Lee.
Fences
Starring, produced and directed by Denzel Washington and written by August Wilson, based on his Pulitzer Prize-winning 1985 play of the same name.
Detroit
Directed by Kathryn Bigelow.
American History X
Directed by Tony Kaye and written by David McKenna.
Crash
Produced, directed, and co-written by Paul Haggis.
Books
Between the World and Me, Ta-Nehisi Coates
Told as a letter to his son, Between the World and Me offers wisdom and insight into the struggles of being Black in America. Coates writes a narrative of his life, from growing up in a poor community to life at Howard University to where he is today as a writer and father who still deals with racism on all levels.
Homegoing, Yaa Gysai
Homegoing tells the story of two half-sisters living in Ghana during the 1800s. One becomes enslaved in America, while the other is married off in their hometown. The novel tells stories of both sisters' descendants through different time periods and the struggles they all face.
You Should See Me In A Crown, Leah Johnson
Narratives that showcase 'Black Joy' are few and far between in popular media. This Young Adult novel is a story about a high school girl who runs for prom queen to win a scholarship and falls in love in the process.
The Hill We Climb and Other Poems, Amanda Gorman
National Youth Poetlaureute Amanda Gorman stood out as a highlight during the Inaguration with her recitement of The Hill We Climb. This book, set to be released in September, includes the inspiring poem and some of her other works.
Let Me Hear a Rhyme, Tiffany D. Jackson
“Set in the 1990s, ‘Let Me Hear a Rhyme’ follows three teenagers from Brooklyn as they honor their late friend/brother, a victim of gun violence, by releasing his mixtapes to the world. The tale explores the hip-hop and Black culture of the ‘90s, as well as highlighting the importance of grieving and confronting one’s demons in order to heal.” (More details)