Documentaries About Black History

Documentaries are a great way to peer into the past, learn about both our proudest and most shameful moments, and connect us to our history. From politics and arts to sports and science, the contributions of Black people have shaped the world we live in. And while Black history is made every day, it's important to stop and reflect on the moments that led to where we are today. While this list isn't exhaustive, watching any of these documentaries is a great way to celebrate and acknowledge the Black experience.

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Amazing Grace Poster Image
MOVIE

Amazing Grace

age 8+

Aretha documentary has soaring music but no narration.

On DVD/Streaming (Release Year: 2019)
Dance Dreams: Hot Chocolate Nutcracker Poster Image
MOVIE

Dance Dreams: Hot Chocolate Nutcracker

age 8+

Inspirational docu has positive messages, role models.

On DVD/Streaming (Release Year: 2020)
King: Man of Peace in a Time of War Poster Image
MOVIE

King: Man of Peace in a Time of War

age 8+

Inspiring documentary about iconic civil rights activist.

On DVD/Streaming (Release Year: 2007)
We Are the Dream: The Kids of the Oakland MLK Oratorical Fest Poster Image
MOVIE

We Are the Dream: The Kids of the Oakland MLK Oratorical Fest

age 8+

Docu about kids living MLK's legacy gives all the feels.

On DVD/Streaming (Release Year: 2020)
Woman in Motion Poster Image
MOVIE

Woman in Motion

age 8+

Docu about role model Nichelle Nichols inspires, delights.

On DVD/Streaming (Release Year: 2019)
A Ballerina's Tale Poster Image
MOVIE

A Ballerina's Tale

age 9+

Engrossing dance docu introduces powerful role model.

On DVD/Streaming (Release Year: 2015)
Becoming Poster Image
MOVIE

Becoming

age 9+

Enlightening journey with Michelle Obama on her book tour.

On DVD/Streaming (Release Year: 2020)
Thunder Soul Poster Image
MOVIE

Thunder Soul

age 9+

Uplifting docu spotlights legendary high school jazz band.

On DVD/Streaming (Release Year: 2011)
We Are the Radical Monarchs Poster Image
MOVIE

We Are the Radical Monarchs

age 9+

Docu about girls' social justice troop inspires all ages.

On DVD/Streaming (Release Year: 2019)
Barbara Lee: Speaking Truth to Power Poster Image
MOVIE

Barbara Lee: Speaking Truth to Power

age 10+

Heartfelt doc celebrates politician's integrity, compassion.

On DVD/Streaming (Release Year: 2021)
Citizen Ashe Poster Image
MOVIE

Citizen Ashe

age 10+

Inspiring documentary about Black tennis player/activist.

On DVD/Streaming (Release Year: 2021)
High on the Hog Poster Image
TV

High on the Hog

age 10+

Food doc gives powerful new perspective on American history.

Network: Netflix (2021)
How It Feels to Be Free Poster Image
TV

How It Feels to Be Free

age 10+

Clear-eyed docu celebrates talented women facing racism.

Network: PBS (2021)
I Am Bolt Poster Image
MOVIE

I Am Bolt

age 10+

Winning docu celebrates world's fastest man; mild cursing.

On DVD/Streaming (Release Year: 2016)
John Lewis: Good Trouble Poster Image
MOVIE

John Lewis: Good Trouble

age 10+

Inspiring, timely biography of Congress' legendary activist.

On DVD/Streaming (Release Year: 2020)
March Poster Image
TV

March

age 10+

HBCU docu celebrates perseverance, teamwork, and Black joy.

Network: CW (2022)
Rise Again: Tulsa and the Red Summer Poster Image
MOVIE

Rise Again: Tulsa and the Red Summer

age 10+

Essential viewing on horrific chapter in American history.

On DVD/Streaming (Release Year: 2021)
River City Drumbeat Poster Image
MOVIE

River City Drumbeat

age 10+

Uplifting, heartfelt docu about life-changing drum corps.

On DVD/Streaming (Release Year: 2020)
Silver Dollar Road movie poster: Black family of smiling older men and women, one sitting down, are in front of background of large river with fishing boat driving off into the distance
MOVIE

Silver Dollar Road

age 10+

Tragic story of one family's fight against racism; violence.

On DVD/Streaming (Release Year: 2023)
Sacred Soil: The Piney Woods School  Story movie poster:  4 Black students lie down outside
MOVIE

Sacred Soil: The Piney Woods School Story

age 10+

Docu about Black boarding school addresses racism; violence.

On DVD/Streaming (Release Year: 2024)