Teaching Black History Through Film

Last time I shared books for teaching Black history, this time I’ll share films.

The films featured here are a mix of fact and fiction, but all derive from the truths of Black history – slavery, racism, struggles, bravery, victories and friendship.

Young Learners:

Great Americans for Children – This series, commonly used in schools, features two Black American’s stories, Harriet Tubman and Martin Luther King, Jr. The stories are most appropriate for k-4 grade levels/age groups and are wonderfully portrayed through lively reenactments. What I love best about this series is that it comes with a teacher’s guide featuring discussion questions, lesson plans and craft recommendations!

Selma, Lord, Selma – This Disney film tells the true story of the “Bloody Sunday” march from Selma, Alabama to Montgomery through the eyes of an 11 year old girl, and in a very non-graphic way. 

Ruby Bridges – Another Disney film, the story of six year old Ruby Bridges is told as she is chosen to be the first African American child sent to her local all white school and the hatred and historical change that ensued. 

March On! … And More Stories About African American History – Featuring stories about Dr. King’s famous speech, Rosa Parks and runaway slaves, this read along living story book shows young students how prejudice and inequality hurts and helps them value the changes that have come because of these brave African Americans and those who helped them. 

Duke Ellington …And More Stories to Celebrate Great Figures in African American History – This read along series introduces children to famous Black musicians.

Older Learners:

The Tuskegee Airmen – The true story of the African American men who broke the color barrier in the U.S Air Force during WWII. 

Roots – A televised sensation based off of the award winning book by Alex Haley, Roots tells the story of his own family’s history from slavery to freedom. 

The Rosa Parks Story – Help your homeschooler see Rosa as a real person, not just a historical figure, with this film that focuses on her life before and after she became a civil rights activist.

The Untold Story of Emmett Till Louise – This story caused a great uproar in its time and it still does today because of the injustice it shows. 

King – A classic miniseries, King tells the backdrop story and well known achievements of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. 

Up From slavery – The African American experience is shared from enslavement to freedom to the inequality experienced thereafter.

There are so many wonderful films on Black history, from mini-series to documentaries and Hollywood movies. Some stories tell of famed African Americans and the events that affected them and other Americans, many that still affect us today. Some films simply feature Black actors and characters and that’s important for children to see as well.

Incorporate these films into your regular family viewing and read the books I’ve shared throughout the year, as well as others you discover on your own. This tells children that Black history really is American history!

Del Kroemer

Del Kroemer is the blessed mama of 3 beautiful and busy little girls, the wife of one big hearted husband and happily homeschooling while working from home as a writer. She is currently working on a new blog focused on being devoted to seeking God’s truth and wisdom in homeschooling, homemaking and thriving in this temporary home!

 

 

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