A List of Films to Learn More About African American History - Part I
I get many calls from people to suggest books on African American History. There are many films that will teach African America that the entire family can enjoy. I decided to put together a list of films that will give you insights into various topics on African History. The Frank E. Merriweather is a good source of films. Part 1 is from my own collection of films. The first one on the list is a film that I co-produced with videographer Gregory D. Barber.
It was featured this past summer at the Merriweather Library. I hope to show it again sometime in the future. It was my response to the negative portrayal of Haitian immigrants. The film gave the history of Haitian people, including the fact that more than 500 Haitians fought in the Revolutionary War, which has been well documented. The film also shows Haiti’s history and how other countries tried to dominate Haiti. I hope to show the film again in the future. In this day and time, we must find as many ways as possible to teach our history.
The following is a list of other films that might be of interest.
They include Selma, Lord, Selma, that tells the story of what happened when Blacks were attacked when marching across the Edmund Pettus Bridge. It is a gripping account of the attack by state troopers trying to stop the marchers, by using violence and brutality. This is a film that the entire family should see. It is based on a true story and tells the story of events of March 1965 known as “bloody Sunday,” when Blacks in Selma learned that Dr, Martin Luther King, Jr. was planning to come to Selma Alabama to help Blacks get their voting rights. The story is seen through the eyes of an eleven-year-old girl named Sheyann Webb. This is a film that the family can discuss considering what is going on nationally, with our voting rights being threatened.
Another good film is called “Proud” starring Ossie Davis. It is based on the lives of African American sailors on the USS Mason in World War II. The African American crew suffered the harsh realities of war abroad and racism at home. However, they were honored for their heroic acts. The fought the Nazis while enduring segregation. Considering the war, it tells the true story of 180 Black sailors and what they went through. This is another good film for family discussion at the end. It will keep you on the edge of your seats.
Stay tuned to more films that will not only entertain you more but will teach and inform you about history. Next week I will discuss the film about a slave called Night John, who was determined to teach other slaves to read despite the dangers of being killed. I hope you will share these titles with other people in your family and community.