5 documentaries to watch for Black History Month 2023

Happy Black History Month!

With this month comes the celebration of Black lives in all shapes and forms. Whether an African-American individual is well-known for their artistic talent or whether it’s your local Black business owner, this is the perfect time to ensure that Black voices are being recognized, for without these voices, we would have no Black culture.

Documentaries to celebrate Black History Month

Black culture will forever have a fluctuating identity, as the culture continues to evolve with each and every new day. To that end, we think there’s no better way to become educated on the Black experience than to take a deep dive into a few titles that tell you all about Black history, Black present, and, of course, Black future.

Here are some documentaries we implore you to watch for this year’s Black History Month!

Black Art: In the Absence of Light (2021)

Where to stream: HBO Max

Black Art: In the Absence of Light takes you on a journey through the rise of Black art in America. Sadly, Black art hasn’t always gotten the recognition it deserves, but one fated day, all that changed when Professor David Driskell took it upon himself to host a Black art exhibition to showcase underrated Black artists. From then on, Black art has continued to gain popularity not just in America but all around the world.

We, of course, have far more work ahead. But for now, be sure to appreciate Black art in any and every capacity.

Black Boys (2020)

Where to stream: Peacock

The lives of Black boys aren’t as protected as they should be. From an early age, they are taught to watch their every move and what they say. Failing to do so could result in their lives being put in danger. However, the Black community refuses to let this be the status quo, as Black boys (and men) deserve to live long lives as unapologetically as they would like.

The 2020 documentary Black Boys explores the history behind the stigma of Black males and how we can do whatever we can to protect them at all costs.

Descendant (2022)

Where to stream: Netflix

As you know, Black history hasn’t always been rainbows and butterflies. Rather, it is stained with the travesty that was slavery, segregation, and systemic racism. Although these things aren’t as horrifying as they were back then, the effects of slavery can still be felt by modern generations. The Netflix documentary Descendant explores just that.

See more on the official synopsis below:

"Documentary filmmaker Margaret Brown (“The Order of Myths”, “The Great Invisible”) returns to her hometown of Mobile, Alabama to document the search for and historic discovery of The Clotilda, the last known ship to arrive in the United States, illegally carrying enslaved Africans. After a century of secrecy and speculation, the 2019 discovery of the ship turns attention toward the descendant community of Africatown and presents a moving portrait of a community actively grappling with and fighting to preserve their heritage while examining what justice looks like today."

Making Black America: Through the Grapevine (2022)

Where to stream: Amazon Prime Video

Unfortunately, some crucial details of Black history have been erased or lost over time. Even so, because of word of mouth, history traveled from generation to generation, and now, the Black community of today knows about well-kept secrets from the past.

Whether it’s how to play a game of spades or how to fight for freedom in a society full of racial disparities, Making Black America: Through the Grapevine showcases the many parallels between the past and the present, and how it’s all come together to create the Black American that we have today.

Summer of Soul (2021)

Where to stream: Hulu

Last but certainly not least is the 2021 documentary Summer of Soul.

This documentary, pioneered by American musician Questlove, navigates the importance of Black music, and how so much of Black culture is inspired by the legendary artists that we know and love. Whether it’s someone as famous as Jimi Hendrix or whether it’s your local artist that you grew up with since childhood, there’s always something that can be learned from every era of music. But no era was as pivotal to Black music (and Black culture) as the summer of 1969, also known as the “Summer of Soul“.

Take a look at the official trailer for the critically acclaimed documentary below.

All five of these documentaries are a great place to start, however, you already know there’s way more where that came from. Here are a few honorable mentions that we think you should check out, too:

• Against All Odds: The Fight for a Black Middle Class (2017) – Magellan TV
• Beah: A Black Woman Speaks (2004) – HBO Max
• Black Love (2017) – Hulu
• Is That Black Enough for You?!? (2022) – Netflix
• Toni Morrison: The Pieces I Am (2019) – Netflix
• The Hair Tales (2022) – Hulu
• When We Were Kings (1996) – HBO Max