Universal Pictures Black and White Horror Movies
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18 Black History Documentaries That Are Necessary Viewing
If you're looking to begin the path to building a healthier relationship with the history of Black Americans, here are some streamable documentaries
Public Square Films
As the United States grapples with multiple deaths of Black people at the hands of police officers, those who are not familiar with the longstanding plight of Black Americans may struggle to understand why these deaths are resulting in protests and riots. Although listening to Black people explain the history behind the current movement is crucial, it's also important to do your own digging when it comes to the history of Black people's struggles in this country. One way to do that is by watching Black history documentaries that dive into the time-hallowed racial divide in the U.S.
Although the events currently occurring in the U.S. may seem "scary" or present "uncomfortable" conversations for those unfamiliar with the issues, for those in the Black community, these events are merely a modern retelling of their history. And while the support of allies and those willing to use their privilege to speak up and act out for Blacks is appreciated, it also requires learning about Black history and how it intertwines with the history-making events of today.
So, if you're looking to begin the path to building a healthier relationship with the history of Black Americans, here are some streamable documentaries that can teach you about the constant fight for racial equality in the United States.
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'13th'
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Released in 2016, this documentary from Ava Duvernay pulls its title from the 13th Amendment, which abolished slavery and involuntary servitude in the United States in 1865. The film looks at how slavery has continued, despite the passing of the amendment, through things like disenfranchisement, Jim Crow, the war on drugs, and more.
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'LA 92'
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Entirely created with archival footage, this 2017 documentary retells the story of the 1992 Rodney King trial, which resulted in the acquittal of four police officers who had been charged with using excessive force in arresting Black motorist Rodney King. The film, which also examines the outrage that followed the verdict, is especially relevant today.
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'Strong Island'
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Directed by Yance Ford, this true-crime documentary focuses on the 1992 killing of Ford's brother William — a 24-year-old Black teacher who was killed by a white mechanic.
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'The Death and Life of Marsha P. Johnson'
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A reexamination of the death of Black transgender activist Marsha P. Johnson, the documentary digs into the alleged 1992 suicide and discusses why friends and family believe it was actually a murder.
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'Teach Us All'
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In 1957, a group of Black students known as the Little Rock Nine were prevented from entering Central High School in Little Rock, Arkansas, despite it recently being deemed desegregated as part of Brown v. Board of Education. This film, which was released on the 60th anniversary, examines how educational inequality still exists in American today and what the country can do to ignite change.
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'Let It Fall: Los Angeles 1982-1992'
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A look into the decade leading up to the 1992 Rodney King trial and the events that followed, this documentary pinpoints the rising tension between the Black community and the LAPD.
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'The Force'
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The Force focuses on the Oakland Police Department and its efforts to disseminate corruption, reform the force, and hold members accountable during a time of social unrest.
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'Whose Streets?'
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Directed by Damon Davis, Whose Streets? takes a look at the 2014 killing of Michael Brown by Ferguson Police. With accounts from activists and leaders, this documentary provides a deeper look into the Ferguson uprising that followed.
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'Crime + Punishment'
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This 2018 documentary follows a group of 12 Black and Latino police officers who worked to expose some of the harmful policing practices implemented by the New York Police Department.
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'4 Little Girls'
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Created by Spike Lee in 1997, 4 Little Girls hones in on the 1963 Birmingham church bombing that killed four Black girls, the perpetrators behind the bombing, and the crime itself. In the film, family members, witnesses of the crime, and activists provide a better look into the victims and lives they lead.
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'King in the Wilderness'
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An intense look at the life of Martin Luther King, Jr., this 2018 documentary highlights stories from King's loved ones about his final years of life.
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'The Rape of Recy Taylor'
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The Rape of Recy Taylor examines the history of physical and sexual abuse towards black women using the story of Recy Taylor — a Black woman who was raped by six white boys in 1944 Alabama — as the focal point.
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'Copwatch'
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Released in 2017, Copwatch hones in on WeCopWatch, an organization dedicated to filming police and civilian encounters with them. This documentary stars activists Ramsey Orta, David Whitt, and Kevin Morre — each of whom were connected to Eric Garner, Freddie Gray and Michael Brown.
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'I Am Not Your Negro'
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A journey into the book that prolific writer James Baldwin never finished, 'I Am Not Your Negro finds a solid and easily digestable way to connect the Civil Rights Movment to the current Black Lives Matter efforts.
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'The Black Power Mixtape 1967-1975'
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Told from the archival footage of Swedish journalists who were influenced to come to the United States after hearing stories of unrest and revolution for Blacks, this compilation of raw and intimate interviews from leaders of the Black Power Movement delivers a new look into the influential moment.
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'Black Panthers: Vanguard of the Revolution'
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Directed by Stanley Nelson, this documentary revisits the tumultuous times of the 1960s and the emergence of the revolutionary Black Panther Party.
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'Freedom Summer'
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Delivering a well-needed look at Mississippi's now-historic "Freedom Summer" of 1964, the documentary focuses on the efforts Black Mississippians made to dismantle white supremacy.
Ni'Kesia Pannell Weekend Editor/Contributing Writer Ni'Kesia Pannell is an entrepreneur, multi-hyphenate freelance writer, and self-proclaimed Slurpee connoisseur that covers food news for Delish.com.
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Universal Pictures Black and White Horror Movies
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