- When They See Us
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When They See Us is a crime drama based on the real-life events concerning the infamous and now exonerated Central Park Five. Created by filmmaker Ava DuVernay, this intense limited series spans over approximately twenty years, following the Central Park Fives’ journey in maintaining their innocence and fighting for justice. A powerful and critically important story, When They See Us is absolutely worth a binge.
- Dear White People
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Based on a film of the same name, Dear White People was created by Justin Simien to address and draw awareness to the challenges faced by people of colour in everyday environments. This particular story follows a group of students of colour who attend Winchester University, a primarily white school. These students must navigate their lives in a landscape of cultural bias, social injustice, misguided activism, and evasive and unreliable politics. This comedy-drama utilizes irony, honesty, and humour to illuminate the issues that still exist within this “post-racial” society.
- Nappily Ever After
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This 2018 romantic comedy directed by Haifaa al-Mansour and based on the novel of the same name by Trisha R. Thomas explores a very specific part of Black culture: hair. This story beautifully illuminates the unfair extra pressure and societal expectations of Black individuals, especially Black women, as the main character has an accident at the salon which makes her realize that she is focusing all of her effort in the wrong place.sThus, she is not living her life to the fullest!
- Fences
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Fences is a 2016 film starring, produced, and directed by Denzel Washington and written by Alex Wilson. This tragic period drama explores the tale of Troy, a Black man who misses his lifelong dream and opportunity to be a baseball player due to racism. He thus turns his frustration to his family, thereby damaging and even ruining relationships. This story is impactful because it not only portrays the individual negative effects of racism, but the social and inter-relational effects as well.
- Black Lightening
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This action-packed superhero drama series created by Salim Akil features the main character Jefferson Pierce, a retired Black man. The show begins with his return to work… as a vigilante who fights crime with the power to harness electricity. As criminal activity begins to rise in his own community, Jeff Pierce must do everything within his power to protect the ones he loves. Although his vigilante activity affects his professional and family life, the series follows his battle to balance it all.
During the month of February, let’s celebrate Black History by recognizing, appreciating, and supporting Black artists, producers, and film-makers! It is also important to educate yourself and others on issues and challenges faced by the Black Community in North America, please visit www.hercampus.com/school/uwindsor for more articles related to Black History month!