By Sheyla Fairley
Every February, people honor the contributions and achievements of African Americans throughout the ages as part of Black History Month. This February I have shared a collection of twenty-five movies that I have watched and enjoyed; each featuring African Americans in starring roles. This is the finale.
Some of the movies are biographical, others were inspired by real-life events, and then there are regular films featuring Black leads with well-known actors.
There’s a trailer for you to preview each movie. A link is provided to watch the movie online. Some are free, others may require a subscription or payment.
Pop some popcorn and pick a flick that suits your mood. I hope you have enjoyed this different twist in observing Black History.
The Great Debaters (2007 film)
Subscribe or Buy/Rent:
Free:
Based on the true story of Melvin B. Tolson, a professor at Wiley College who formed an all-Black debate team in the 1930s.
Starring: Denzel Washington, Denzel Whitaker, Forest Whitaker, & Jurnee Smollett
Polly (1989 film)
Free:
Adapted from the book Pollyanna by Eleanor H. Porter, an orphan is sent to live with her wealthy aunt and is able to raise the spirits of those she comes into contact with in 1950s Alabama.
Starring: Keshia Knight Pulliam & Phylicia Rashad
Dreamgirls (2006 film)
Subscribe or Buy/Rent:
Free:
Plot Outline: Based on the 1981 Broadway musical of the same name, the story concerns the rise to and cost of fame through the eyes of a 1960s girl group known as “The Dreamettes” and their ambitious manager.
Starring: Jennifer Hudson, Beyoncé Knowles, Anika Noni Rose, & Jamie Foxx
Sylvie’s Love (2020 film)
Subscribe or Buy/Rent:
Free:
When a young woman and a saxophonist have a summer romance, they reconnect years later and discover that their feelings for each other have not faded over time.
Starring: Tessa Thompson, Nnamdi Asomugha, Aja Naomi King, & Ryan Michelle Bathe
The Loretta Claiborne Story (2000 film)
Free:
Based on the true story of Loretta Claiborne, a mentally and physically challenged African-American woman who found success through the Special Olympics.
Starring: Kimberly Elise, Tina Lifford, Damon Gupton, & Nicole Ari Parker
