In Student Services we have been watching loads of great programmes in relation to Black History. We like many others are educating ourselves on Race, White Privilege and Black History, and you can too. Here are a few of the films, series and documentaries that we are hooked on!
Have you got a suggestion for our list? Let us know and we can add it below.
The School That Tried to End Racism
Documentary series that follows a British school helping its students uncover and eradicate hidden racial biases, exploring how this can affect us all and what we can do to tackle it
https://www.channel4.com/programmes/the-school-that-tried-to-end-racism
When They See Us
The story of five teens from Harlem become trapped in a nightmare when they’re falsely accused of a brutal attack in Central Park. Based on the true story.
https://www.netflix.com/gb/title/80200549?source=35
Becoming
Join former first lady Michelle Obama in an intimate documentary looking at her life, hopes and connection with others as she tours with “Becoming.”
https://www.netflix.com/gb/title/81122487?source=35
13th
In this thought-provoking documentary, scholars, activists and politicians analyze the criminalization of African Americans and the U.S. prison boom.
https://www.netflix.com/gb/title/80091741?source=35
12 Years a Slave
A freeborn black man is abducted from New York and sold into slavery in this historical drama based on the autobiography of Solomon Northup.
https://www.netflix.com/gb/title/70284282
https://www.channel4.com/programmes/12-years-a-slave/on-demand/54001-001
Dolemite Is My Name
Eddie Murphy portrays real-life legend Rudy Ray Moore, a comedy and rap pioneer who proved naysayers wrong when his hilarious, obscene, kung-fu fighting alter ego, Dolemite, became a 1970s Blaxploitation phenomenon.
https://www.imdb.com/title/tt8526872/
https://www.netflix.com/gb/title/80182014
Self Made: Inspired by the Life of Madam C.J. Walker
An African American washerwoman rises from poverty to build a beauty empire and become the first female self-made millionaire. Based on a true story.
https://www.netflix.com/gb/title/80202462
Hidden Figures
An incredible & inspiring untold true story about three women at NASA who were instrumental in one of history’s greatest operations – the launch of astronaut John Glenn into orbit.
The Hate U Give
Starr witnesses the fatal shooting of her childhood best friend Khalil at the hands of a police officer. Now, facing pressure from all sides of the community, Starr must find her voice and stand up for what’s right.
Find out more on IMDB
42
In 1947, Jackie Robinson becomes the first African-American to play in Major League Baseball in the modern era when he was signed by the Brooklyn Dodgers and faces considerable racism in the process.
Find out more on IMDB.
Marshall
The story of Thurgood Marshall, the crusading lawyer who would become the first African-American Supreme Court Justice, as he battles through one of his career-defining cases.
Find out more on IMDB.
Two Mississippi families — one Black, one white — confront the brutal realities of prejudice, farming and friendship in a divided World War II era.
Queen Latifah stars as legendary blues singer Bessie Smith in this vivid portrait of a tenacious spirit who, despite her own demons, went on to become one of the most successful and influential musical artists of the 20th century.
The black power salute at the 1968 Mexico Olympics was an iconic moment in the US civil rights movement. What part did the white Australian who ran second play and what price did these athletes pay for standing up for their beliefs?
Black and Scottish – BBC iplayer
What does it mean to be black and Scottish? Director Stewart Kyasimire seeks out a range of black Scots of different ages and from diverse backgrounds to hear some compelling answers.
A shocking drama inspired by the Windrush scandal. After 50 years in the UK, Anthony Bryan is wrongfully detained by the Home Office and threatened with deportation.
The Unwanted: The Secret Windrush Files – BBC Two
How black immigrants who made Britain their home came face to face with the government’s ‘hostile environment’. David Olusoga exposes the secret files behind the Windrush scandal.
Whoever heard of a black artist – Britain’s hidden art history – BBC Iplayer
Brenda Emmanus follows acclaimed artist Sonia Boyce in the lead up to a new exhibition at Manchester Art Gallery, highlighting groundbreaking artists of African and Asian descent.
Black is the new black – BBC Iplayer
Exceptional figures from politics, business, sport, science and more share their insights into being black and British today, how they got where they are, and thoughts on what the future holds.
Black Hollywood: They gotta have us – BBC I player
Powered by candid recollections from esteemed African-American entertainers, this docuseries traces the history of Black cinema.
Black and British-A forgotten history – BBC I player
Historian David Olusoga explores the enduring relationship between Britain and people whose origins lie in Africa.
Ella Fitzgerald – Just one of those things
Tracing the story of Ella Fitzgerald’s life, this special film explores how her music became a soundtrack for a tumultuous century.
Black Lives Matter – Netflix – a selection of programmes and films
Black lives matter. Learn more about racial injustice and the Black experience in America with this collection of films, series and documentaries.
https://www.netflix.com/gb/browse/genre/81299227?so=su
BBC – Black History Month
A collection of programmes exploring black history and culture.
https://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/p070rtws
Best documentaries and series to watch for Black History Month – Radio Times
Celebrate Black History Month with these docs and shows exploring Black culture and achievements worldwide.
https://www.radiotimes.com/news/tv/2020-10-01/what-to-watch-black-history-month/
Got a suggestion?
Add it below, we are always looking for suggestions!
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