Black History Month Sampler

Black History Month, assigned to February, is an opportunity to explore and reflect on the rich history of struggle and achievement of African Americans in spite of tremendous obstacles.

To help campuses make the most of this month, we have assembled a collection of 20 essential documentaries focused on African-American history.

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The Black History Month Sampler includes the following titles:

A Dangerous Idea

Examines the history of the US eugenics movement and its recent resurrection, which uses false scientific claims and holds that an all-powerful 'gene' determines who is worthy and who is not.

Bullfrog Films | 2017 | 106 minutes | 10 - 12, College, Adult

Althea

Pioneering athlete Althea Gibson broke records on and off the tennis court.

Icarus Films | 2014 | 83 minutes

Capturing the Flag

A tight-knit group of friends travel to Cumberland County, North Carolina - 2016 'posterchild' for voter suppression - intent on proving that the big idea of American democracy can be defended by small acts of individual citizens.

Bullfrog Films | 2018 | 76 minutes | Grades 9-12, College, Adult

Come Hell or High Water

When the graves of former slaves are bulldozed in Mississippi, a Boston teacher returns home to protect the community his ancestors settled.

Bullfrog Films | 2014 | 56 minutes | 9-12, College, Adult

Conversations with Roy DeCarava

The life of the first black photographer to win a Guggenheim Fellowship.

Icarus Films | 1984 | 28 minutes | 9-12, College, Adult

Counting on Democracy

An examination of the fiasco in Florida in the context of the history of voting rights violations.

Bullfrog Films | 2003 | 57 minutes | 10-12, College, Adult

Finally Got the News

A film about the League of Revolutionary Black Workers, which was, 'in many respects the most significant expression of black radical thought and activism in the 1960s.' - Manning Marable, Prof. of History, Columbia Univ.

Icarus Films | 1970 | 55 minutes | 10-12, College, Adult

Fundi: The Story of Ella Baker

Friend and advisor to Martin Luther King, FUNDI reveals the instrumental role that Ella Baker played in shaping the American civil rights movement.

Icarus Films | 1981 | 63 minutes | 9-12, College, Adult

I Am Somebody

1969 hospital workers struggle in Charleston, South Carolina.

Icarus Films | 1970 | 30 minutes | 9-12, College, Adult

In Motion: Amiri Baraka

Biographical profile of the out-spoken African-American writer.

Icarus Films | 1983 | 60 minutes | 10-12, College, Adult

Visit the title page to preview any of the titles above.