Opinion

Kyle Serfass

Columnist

I thought that before February was over I should write an article pertaining to Black History Month. Unfortunately, many white people couldn’t really care less about Black History Month, and are just resentful that they had its significance pounded into their heads back in grade school each year.

“Why isn’t there a White History Month?,” many sarcastically ask. Well, that is a fascinating subject, and I would probably make the argument that the way our education system works, the answer to that question is that every other month is essentially White History Month. That, however, is a long topic that I do not want to get into right now. What I would like to do is give everybody something they could do to celebrate Black History Month that can be easily done and that we can all enjoy.

So I have compiled a list of films that I think are important to black history and cinema. The list is chronological. I kept off two films because they are not out on DVD yet, Precious and The Princess and the Frog, but these should get honorable mentions. After all, it’s a big deal when Disney presents its first Black princess, even if she is green for most of the movie. Anyway, I hope you will enjoy these films, and with each I have given a little synopsis of why they are important to Black history. Be sure to make lots of popcorn!

1. “The Birth of a Nation”- 1915
This D.W. Griffith film is also one of the most racist films in American history. Based on a novel called The Klansman, the film tells the story of how America got into the Civil War and what life was like in the South afterwards. Blame for the war falls squarely on the shoulders of white northern abolitionists who filled black people’s heads with grand notions that were above their station. This film is important because it gives viewers a glimpse into perceptions of history and race held by whites at the turn of the 20th century, and gives us some understanding of how Jim Crow segregation and mass lynching both rose at the time. One could also watch “Gone With the Wind,” another epic which tells a similar story and also has Hattie McDaniel, who was the first black person to win an Academy Award for her role as Mammy.

2. “Shadows”- 1959
This early independent film by director John Cassavetes focuses on the lives of three black siblings. The eldest brother, a lousy lounge singer, is fairly dark-skinned while his younger brother and sister are light enough to pass for white. The film, though mostly improvisational without a firm plot structure, is mostly about the grief this causes the sister when she sleeps with a young white man who does not realize she is black, the hardships faced by the two brothers, and the way the siblings try to stick together as a family. This film is thoughtful, entertaining, an early forerunner of the independent genre and deals with an important issue in black history, attempted assimilation into white society by lighter-skinned black people.

3. “Guess Who’s Coming to Dinner”- 1967
Starring Sidney Poitier and Katherine Hepburn, this was one of the earliest popular films to deal with the issue of interracial relationships. Hepburn’s parents claim to be liberal, but when she brings home her black fiancée, a doctor, they have reservations. Touching on the racism of white liberals, black-on-black racism and other issues, this film is a key part of black history, and was released at a time when interracial marriage was still illegal in many states. While some criticize it for not including issues of class and cultural differences, this was done intentionally so that it would be clear that race itself was the only issue present.

4. “Sweet Sweetback’s Baadasssss Song”- 1971; “Shaft”- 1971; “Superfly”- 1972
For better or worse, the blaxploitation era was a major part of black cinema, culture, and history. The first was directed by and starring Martin Van Peebles, and was partly funded by Bill Cosby. It went on to become the highest grossing independent film ever and led to the realization that portrayals of militant black men could be profitable. This started off the entire blaxploitation genre of the 1970’s.

5. “The Harder They Come”- 1972
Let’s not just focus on American films. This excellent crime film from Jamaica may not have sold well by itself, but it introduced Reggae music to the United States.

6. “The Wiz”- 1978
Don’t get me wrong, I love “The Wizard of Oz,” but it is extremely white. This film on the other hand, starring such great black legends as Diana Ross, Michael Jackson and Richard Pryor, changes the setting of Oz from a rural wonderland to an urban one, a fanciful copy of New York City. This delightful romp is full of laughs and can be enjoyed by the whole family.

7. “The Color Purple”- 1985
One of the finest moments in Steven Spielberg’s legendary career, this film has touched the hearts of millions. Starring the likes of Danny Glover as a guy you love to hate, Whoopi Goldberg in her finest role (much better than her Oscar-winning role in “Ghost”) and a rare and unforgettable film appearance by Oprah Winfrey, this is a truly touching tale of the lives of black women in the early 20th century. I’m not ashamed to say this film made me cry on several occasions, and is a must-see.

8. “Do the Right Thing”- 1989
One of my favorite films. Undoubtedly Spike Lee’s finest work as both director and actor, this film portrays the lives of many people living on the same street in New York on the hottest day of the year. The heat brings out racial tensions between the black, white, Asian and Hispanic residents of the mostly-black neighborhood and leads to a violent and shocking conclusion. When the film was released there were claims that it was a call to racial violence. If you only see one film on this list, make sure it is this one.

9. “Driving Miss Daisy”- 1989
Lol, just kidding. Wanted to make sure you were paying attention. Although, hey, any film starring Morgan Freeman can’t be all bad, right?

10. “Boyz N the Hood”- 1991
For making this film, director John Singleton became both the youngest person and the first black person to be nominated for an Academy Award for best director. The film deals with issues of race and community in a neighborhood of South Central LA. Covering issues like black-on-black violence and the relationship between black cops and young black men, this is one of the best films of the 1990’s.

11. “Madea’s Family Reunion”- 2006
Honestly, I put this one because I figured that if you talk about black cinema you have to talk about Tyler Perry. Love him or hate him he has created an independent studio himself and made a number of popular films about the black experience. This particular film was suggested to me by a friend, but you could check out any one of his films that you like.

Well, that’s it. I hope you have a chance to at least view some of the films on this list.

Kyle
Serfass

Columnist

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