New shows to watch during Black History Month

Phoebe Simcock, 13th Oct 2021
Tags: Life Blog Culture TV

Black-ish

With a star studded cast of Laurence Fishburne and Tracee Ellis Ross, ‘Black-ish’ follows an African American family as they tackle issues of love, loss and racial discrimination. Mixed with good humour and a uplifting vibe, this is one to watch.  

Hidden Figures 

A biographical drama about three African American female mathematicians who worked at NASA during the Space Race. This inspirational tale evokes the notion that even people who are forced to be hidden figures can accomplish amazing things.  

Coach Carter 

Samuel. L. Jackson enraptures audiences with his portrayal of Ken Carter, a basketball coach for an African American basketball team. The influence of crime and performing poorly at school is holding the team back but Coach Carter teaches perseverance and inner strength.   

The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air 

The breakthrough role of the amazing Will Smith features him as a street-smart teenager who moves to Belair to live with his upper class family in the hope that it will better his future prospects. It’s a classic comedy that is a staple for celebrating black talent.  

Fatherhood 

This new release presents Kevin Hart as a single parent after recently losing his wife. It depicts the struggles faced by an African American man protecting his daughter from the discrimination that she faces. Check is out if you fancy trying a heartfelt comedy.  

Black Panther 

The late Chadwick Boseman portrays a very powerful superhero image in this innovative Marvel blockbuster. T’Challa fights for equality and justice against the oppression of black people with opposes the view of his arch nemesis. Sounds amazing? It is. 

Hairspray  

Featuring an amazing cast, ‘Hairspray’ gives us a peek into the bright life of the 60s riddled with the trauma of the segregation and race hate. This lively musical will take you on a wild ride of emotion as it deals with racism, sexism and body image. 

Selma 

This historical drama is based on the Selma voting rights marches in 1965. It showcases how vital Martin Luther King Jr. was in securing black rights and features the build up to his momentous speech with the aid of his Christian values. A true masterpiece.  

Pursuit of Happyness 

As we follow an African American salesman search for the American dream whilst trying to care for his son, we realise the true value of the pursuit of ‘happyness’. We see Will Smith and his son Jaden take on the topic of homelessness in this life changing biopic.  

The Help 

‘The Help’ portrays the struggle that black domestic workers faced during the Civil Rights movement of 1963. We follow Minny and Aibileen as they experience friendships that make them truly fight for a world that isn’t black and white.