It’s important to teach kids about Black history and experiences—not just during Black History Month, but throughout the entire year. One way to do that is watching movies that showcase a spectrum of Black life. “Film is a visual medium that allows children to visualize historical figures and moments. When they are done well, films offer a great deal of context, giving children and families a three-dimensional understanding of Black history,” explains Aramide Tinubu, an expert film critic and culture writer for Netflix Tudum.
That said, it’s important for parents to acknowledge that Black experiences aren’t a monolith. Movies that center on slavery, the Civil Rights movement, and Black musicians can make a positive impression—but they should portray a diverse representation of Black life in simple, everyday roles as well. This means families should practice intentionality when choosing entertainment.
“When films are done well, they can offer a great deal of context, giving children and families a three-dimensional understanding of Black history,” says Tinubu. “Black history is American history. It’s imperative that we understand that our history did not begin with slavery.” She says narratives about enslaved people are an important component of the Black history canon—but diving into films like Hidden Figures and Black Panther can be just as powerful.
Recent Comments