February is dedicated to recognizing and commemorating the heritage, accomplishments, and historical contributions of African Americans and those of African origin. It is an occasion to honor African Americans’ hardships, tenacity, and achievements in various domains, including athletics, the arts, sciences, civil rights, and more. African Americans have contributed to pop culture through music, popular dances, TV shows, and film. Here’s a list of movies to watch during black history month.

’42’ (2013)

The movie ’42’ is about the life of the late Jackie Robinson. In the film, Jackie Robinson, played by the late Chadwick Boseman, gets signed by the Brooklyn Dodgers in 1946, breaking the infamous color barrier in major league baseball thanks to the efforts of legendary manager Branch Rickey, played by Harrison Ford. Due to their courageous deeds, Rickey and Robinson are under fire from the public, the media, and other stakeholders. Robinson exhibits remarkable bravery and self-control in the face of overt bigotry by choosing to remain silent, allowing his indisputable talent to silence his detractors. The movie exhibits themes of empowerment and racist obstacles and is worthy of being on this list.

‘Hidden Figures’ (2016)

The film follows the brains behind one of the most significant operations in history, the launch of astronaut John Glenn into orbit. There were three outstanding African-American women at NASA: Katherine Johnson, played by Taraji P. Henson; Dorothy Vaughan, played by Octavia Spencer; and Mary Jackson, played by Janelle Monáe. This incredible accomplishment rekindled national confidence, turned the tide on the Space Race, and inspired people worldwide. Can you say black girl magic? Their story was praised for many years until the movie in 2016. The movie has inspired many young black girls to reach for the stars and give up.

‘Selma’ (2014)

The movie is about a time when Black voters found it extremely difficult to register to vote, despite the Civil Rights Act of 1964’s official desegregation of the South due to persistent discrimination in some localities. Selma, a city in Alabama, was the focal point of the suffrage movement in 1965. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., played by David Oyelowo, and his supporters persevered in their historic march from Selma to Montgomery in the face of deadly opposition; President Lyndon Johnson signed the Voting Rights Act of 1965 due to their efforts. The film has a powerful message of standing up for what’s right. It is important to remember how much African- Americans have had to fight for their rights.

‘BlacKkKlansman’ (2018)

The film follows Ron Stallworth, played by John David Washington, the first African-American investigator employed by the Colorado Springs Police Department. To gain notoriety, Stallworth fearlessly embarks on a risky expedition to infiltrate and discredit the Ku Klux Klan. Flip Zimmerman, played by Adam Driver, a more seasoned colleague, is immediately enlisted by the detective in the life-changing undercover operation. As the organization works to sanitize its language to appeal to the mainstream, they band together to bring down the extremist hate group. The movie is based on actual events that the movie dramatized. The ‘BlacKkKlansman’ is about a black man taking down one of the most potent hate groups. It is a powerful message about standing up for what’s right and fighting for justice.

Malcolm X (1992)

The movie is an homage to the controversial black activist Malcolm X, played by Denzel Washington, who spearheaded the black liberation movement. He was known for being an excellent speaker. After reaching rock bottom during his incarceration in the 1950s, he converted to Islam, becoming a prominent figure in the Nation of Islam. His 1965 murder left a legacy of racial pride and self-determination. Malcolm X inspired many people to speak up for what is right and paved the way for many activists. The movie speaks of themes of change.

‘Ali’ (2001)

From 1964 to 1974, the movie follows Muhammad Ali, played by Will Smith. The story focuses on Muhammad Ali’s ten-year odyssey, from his heavyweight title victory to his conversion to Islam, criticism of the Vietnam War, and expulsion from the boxing world. It also discusses his 1971 comeback to boxing and his final 1974 title defense, underlining the U.S.’s profound social and political shifts during that time. The movie speaks of how legendary Muhammad Ali was and how he used his influence to speak up for what he believed. He was also an inspiring figure as he had to overcome obstacles in boxing and society.

‘Moonlight'(2016)

The movie focuses on three phases of Chiron’s life: his early years as an adolescent, his adolescence, and his early adulthood, which are shown in the movie. Chiron, played by Ashton Sanders, is a young black man growing up in Miami. It examines the challenges he has with his sexuality and identity, as well as the emotional and physical abuse he experienced as a child. The film also stars Janelle Monáe and Mahershala Ali. The movie is very opening as it describes the experiences of young black men and the trauma some of them face as they become who they are.

‘Loving’ (2016)

Based on a true story, Richard and Mildred Loving, played by Joel Edgerton, and Terri Abney, an interracial couple, fell in love and were joined in marriage in 1958. They were raised in Central Point, a small Virginian town more integrated than the neighboring American South communities. However, the state of Virginia, where they were settling down and raising a family, was the first jailed and then banished them. After moving to the inner city of Washington, D.C., with their kids, Richard and Mildred eventually look for a means to return to Virginia.

‘Black Panther’ (2018)

Black Panther is a Marvel movie based on Marvel comics. Following his father’s passing, T’Challa, played by the late Chadwick Boseman, goes to Wakanda in Africa to assume the throne as king. T’Challa’s resolve as king and as Black Panther is tested when he is dragged into a battle that threatens the future of Wakanda and the entire globe due to the unexpected reappearance of a formidable foe. To overcome his enemies and ensure the safety of his people, the young king must gather his allies and unleash the full force of Black Panther when faced with deceit and peril. The film excited many young comic fans because it was the first time they saw someone who looked like them as a major superhero. It also had a fantastic soundtrack with songs from Kendrick Lamar, SZA Future, the Weeknd, and more. It also stars Angela Basset and Michael B. Jordan.

‘Summer of Soul’ (2021)

Director Questlove (Ahmir-Khalib Thompson) made a documentary titled “The Summer of Soul (…Or, When the Revolution Could Not Be Televised)” that had its world premiere at the Sundance Film Festival in January 2021. The video focuses on the 1969 Harlem Cultural Festival, sometimes called “Black Woodstock,” in New York City’s Marcus Garvey Park in Harlem. The festival attracted significantly less notice than Woodstock, which took place the same year, even though it featured renowned performances by musicians like Stevie Wonder, Nina Simone, Sly and the Family Stone, and many others. By honoring Black culture’s music and spirit during a critical juncture in American history, the documentary seeks to shed light on this momentous cultural event and its effects on music and society.

‘Just Mercy’ (2019)

Bryan Stevenson, played by Michael B. Jordan, left Harvard after receiving his degree to go to Alabama and defend people unfairly accused or denied legal representation. One of his earliest cases involves Walter McMillian, played by Jamie Foxx, who was found guilty of killing an 18-year-old female in 1987 but had evidence to the contrary. As he continues to fight nonstop for McMillian’s life, Stevenson runs into prejudice as well as political and legal wrangling in the years that follow. The events of this movie took place in 1987, but it is still true today that the American justice system is unfair to black and brown people.

‘Harriet’ (2019)

The brave abolitionist Harriet Tubman’s narrative is told, starting with her escape from slavery and ending with the dangerous missions she oversaw to free hundreds of enslaved people via the Underground Railroad. Played by Cynthia Erivo, the movie focuses on Harriet’s courageous story and how she saved countless lives.

‘The Hate U Give’ (2018)

Starr Carter, played by Amandla Stenberg, lives in an impoverished, predominately black neighborhood and attends an affluent, predominately white prep school. She alternates between these two worlds regularly. The delicate equilibrium between these realms is abruptly disrupted upon witnessing her childhood best friend’s deadly shot by a police officer. Starr must find her voice and decide to defend what’s right in the face of criticism from all sides of the community. The film is very relevant to our current social and political climate. Black people still face brutality at the hands of police, and the police face little to no consequences. The movie is based on a best-selling novel written by Angie Thomas.

‘Race’ (2016)

In the early 1930s, Stephan James plays a young Jesse Owens, who becomes a track and field phenomenon at Ohio State University. Coach Larry Snyder (Jason Sudeikis), who helps Owens shatter multiple records, has become well-known nationwide. The United States decided not to boycott the Olympics in Nazi Germany following contentious discussions. Overcoming domestic and international bigotry, Owens grabs the chance to prove to Berlin and the rest of the world that he is the fastest man alive. The film speaks volumes about the period in which this movie takes place. Jesse Owens has inspired many young black athletes to not give up on their dreams.

With two weeks left in Black History Month, let’s all take the time to recognize and commemorate the heritage, accomplishments, and historical contributions of African Americans and those of African origin. Without Black Americans, we wouldn’t have many achievements today.