Black History Month: Educating Yourself and Supporting Black Creators

(Pictured above: Ava DuVernay)

Especially during Black History Month, it is crucial to take the time to educate yourself on the stories, culture, and history of Black people. One of the simplest ways to honour a community’s contributions and heritage is by listening to the stories their individuals have to tell through media. You could personally contribute towards uplifting the voice of the black community in literature, film, and television by supporting the diverse works of Black creators.

Below are the Sentinel Sun’s top 4 media recommendations with descriptions, plus a more extensive list if you are interested, serving as a guide in expanding the racial representation in your library and demonstrating your support of the black community, as well as taking the necessary steps to deeper education and understanding.

Paris Is Burning (1990) by Jennie Livingston

Paris is Burning is a documentary that follows members of the late eighties ball scene: a community made by and for Black gay men and transgender women. The documentary is an insightful look into the people who shaped drag culture, covering the struggles with poverty and bigotry that they face. Unflinching in its portrayal, Paris is Burning is a quintessential film for anyone curious about queer history.

Moonlight (2016) by Barry Jenkins

Perhaps best known for the best picture mixup at the 2017 Oscars, Moonlight is a gorgeous exploration of love and identity. The film follows the life of Chiron, as he grows from a boy to a man in urban America. A tender and intimate film, Moonlight is something best experienced rather than explained.

Felix Ever After (2020) by Kacen Callender

Following a transgender student grappling with first loves and blackmail, Felix Ever After is a love letter to Black, queer identities. Author Kacen Callender revels in the highs, lows, and complete mess of teenagehood in a uniquely introspective fashion. This novel is a must for anyone fond of young adult contemporaries.

The Hate U Give (2017) by Angie Thomas

Angie Thomas's debut novel The Hate U Give was received with near-universal positive regard upon release, even getting a film adaptation starring Amandla Stenberg. The book follows Starr, a Black teen who is the sole witness in the shooting of a childhood friend by a white police officer. The book is a nuanced look at the effects of police brutality: one without easy answers. The Hate U Give is an unforgettable read, that sticks with you long after the last page.

Additional Recommendations:

1. 13th (2016) by Ava DuVernay

2. When They See Us (2019) by Ava DuVernay

3. BlackkKlansman (2018) by Spike Lee

4. Do The Right Thing (1989) by Spike Lee

5. If Beale Street Could Talk (1974) by James Baldwin (or the 2018 film adaptation of the same name, by Barry Jenkins)

6. Fruitvale Station (2013) by Ryan Coogler

7. The New Jim Crow (2010) by Michelle Alexander

Encourage yourself not only this Black History Month but also moving forward, to diversify your choices in books and films. Through picking up a book by a Black author or watching a film or TV show by Black creators, you’re educating yourself about Black history, supporting these individuals’ experiences, as well as helping their stories reach a wider variety of readers. As Sentinel Spartans, let’s endeavour in this simple act to increase our knowledge and support of Black communities!