Films and Television That Highlight Black Contributions to America

As we celebrate America’s Independence Day, it’s never been more important that we remind the world how vital Black people have been to the country’s evolution. No matter how much some folks want to deny it, the USA would not be where it is financially, technologically, or culturally without the contributions of Black Americans.

Republicans may want these achievements removed from history books, but you can’t change the past. As you enjoy barbecues and fireworks, don’t forget to celebrate all that we’ve done for this country with these films and TV series that highlight Black contributions to America’s history.

There’s a magic in how Taraji P. Henson, Octavia Spencer and Janelle Monáe celebrate the triumph and sisterhood of these brilliant women. The way they thrive when the whole world wants to hold them down is inspiring, and sadly, still very relevant.

The late, great Chadwick Boseman uses his immense talent to showcase the grace and restraint Jackie Robinson had to have in order to make sure the door stayed open for everyone else.

“Selma” beautifully encapsulates the balance between heartbreak and triumph that is the Black American experience. It’s also a stark reminder that we can never stop fighting, because the minute we do, they will try to take away any ground we’ve gained.

Regina King is a force of nature as Shirley Chisholm, the first Black woman to run a major U.S. presidential campaign. We really need more biopics and series on the countless amazing Black women who have transformed and influenced this country.

There’s a subtlety and nuance in Boseman’s performance that sticks to viewers like a conscience that follows you around. When the film ends, you’re still processing how truly important Thurgood Marshall was.

There was a time when war documentaries would have you believe that Black soldiers played a minimal, background role in America’s military. “Red Tails” is one of several films that highlights the Tuskegee Airmen, who sacrificed everything to protect America and its allies during WWII.

Bass Reeves is one of the most successful and decorated officers in the history of the U.S. Marshal service. He’s also rumored to be the basis for the Lone Ranger. In the captivating series, we follow Bass from the civil war through his career as a marshal, learning how brilliant he was, and how his gun was often the last thing he used to catch criminals. If you enjoy Black westerns, this is can’t-miss. It also highlights how we helped shape the western frontier.

Denzel Washington delivers an absolute masterclass as the great civil rights leader. He takes us through Malcolm’s transformation from criminal to legend, and it’s brilliant every single time, because all these years later, we’re still discovering new elements to his performance. Sometimes we wonder about the world where Malcolm and Martin were able to keep leading us.

Food is such an essential part of the Black experience, you can’t tell our story without examining the role food plays in our history. Seriously, the two seasons of this docuseries are addictive. Prepare yourself for a fascinating binge.

We know how important we are to America’s development. It’s the rest of the world that needs to be reminded that we literally built this country with our blood, sweat and tears. Black history is American history.

Henrietta Lacks was a cancer patient who became the source of the HeLa cell line, a crucial cell line used for medical research for decades. Her cells were obtained and used without her consent, sparking questions about medical racism. The film follows her daughter as she tries to get recognition for her mother’s contributions to the advancement of medicine and science.

Questlove’s thrilling, Oscar-winning documentary about the 1969 Harlem Cultural Festival restores a lost piece of Black history. It showcases our most influential musicians at their best while also highlighting how we were once again written out of the history books in favor of a white narrative — in this case, the Woodstock festival.

Black women have a love/hate relationship with our hair. Long before major corporations entered the industry and started using this complicated relationship against us, one woman saw what a pivotal role hair played in our lives and made it her mission to become a beauty mogul before we knew what that was. Octavia Spencer is an undeniable force as Madam C.J. Walker.

Mamie Till-Mobley used the most unimaginable pain possible to inspire others. Brave and courageous aren’t strong enough words for how she turned her tragedy into a spark for the civil rights movement.