As Black History Month draws to a close, there is still time to honor the legacy of Black icons who shaped history and changed the world.
The celebration of the month began 100 years ago in 1926, when the Association for the Study of Negro Life and History announced the second week of February as “Negro History Week.” The timing was chosen to overlap with the birthdays of Abraham Lincoln and Frederick Douglass.
After the Civil Rights Movement in the 1960s and since 1976, every U.S. president has officially designated February as Black History Month, according to History. Other countries have also devoted a month to honoring Black history, including Canada and the United Kingdom.
While there are dozens of films that could be put on a list to remember Black history, here are a few that help tell the incredible stories of influential figures who shaped the world.
‘42′ (2013)
Rated: PG-13, for thematic elements including language (Parents guide)
Streaming: HBO Max
In 1947, Major League Baseball was a white-only sport. Jackie Robinson (Chadwick Boseman) changes all of that when he breaks the color barrier to become the first African American to play in the MLB.
‘Harriet’ (2019)
Rated: PG-13, for thematic content, violent material and language including racial epithets (Parents guide)
Streaming: Netflix
“Harriet” follows the journey of Harriet Tubman (Cynthia Erivo) as she escapes slavery and becomes one of the greatest heroines in history, freeing hundreds of people from slavery and altering the course of the nation.
‘Hidden Figures’ (2016)
Rated: PG
Streaming: HBO Max
Three Black female mathematicians are the brains behind astronaut John Glenn’s launch into orbit. In this inspiring story, the women make the mission a success while dealing with racial and gender discrimination at NASA in the early 1960s.
‘Just Mercy’ (2019)
Rated: PG-13, for thematic content including some racial epithets (Parents guide)
Streaming: HBO Max
Civil rights defense attorney Bryan Stevenson (Michael B. Jordan) works to free a death row prisoner who has been wrongly condemned. The film tells the story of the fight for justice for Black people in the legal system.
‘Race’ (2016)
Rated: PG-13, for thematic elements and language
Streaming: Netflix
Jesse Owens (Stephan James) overcomes the racial tension of 1930s America to become a track and field legend. His journey takes him to the 1936 Olympic Games in Nazi Germany, where he challenges Adolf Hitler’s vision of Aryan supremacy.
‘King Richard’ (2021)
Rated: PG-13, for some violence, strong language, a sexual reference and brief drug references (Parents guide)
Streaming: Available to rent or buy on Amazon Prime Video, AppleTV and YouTube
Venus (Saniyya Sidney) and Serena (Demi Singleton) Williams were destined for tennis greatness, but the path wasn’t easy. This film explores the sisters’ upbringing, the challenges they faced and the unconventional coaching of their father, Richard Williams (Will Smith).
‘Remember the Titans’ (2000)
Rated: PG
Streaming: Disney+, Hulu
In 1971 Virginia, the integration of an all-white and an all-Black high school creates tension on the football field. Coach Herman Boone (Denzel Washington) works to unite the players, leading them on a historic run toward a championship.
‘Malcolm X’ (1992)
Rated: PG-13, for a scene of violence, and for drugs and some language
Streaming: HBO Max, YouTube
“Malcolm X” is a biographical epic that follows the life of the influential Black nationalist leader. The film details his transformation from his early life to his ministry with the Nation of Islam and his eventual assassination.