Black History Month stands as a testament to the resilience, creativity, and contributions of Black individuals throughout history. It's a time to reflect on the struggles and triumphs of the Black community, celebrate its achievements, and acknowledge its ongoing fight for justice and equality. In this guide, we delve into the significance of Black History Month and explore how screening films in classrooms and curating films in library collections can serve as powerful educational tools for honoring and understanding Black history.
Understanding Black History Month
Black History Month, originally established as "Negro History Week" by historian Carter G. Woodson in 1926, was expanded to a month-long celebration in 1976. February was chosen as the month to coincide with the birthdays of Abraham Lincoln and Frederick Douglass, two pivotal figures in American history with significant ties to the abolition of slavery.
The observance of Black History Month provides a dedicated time for recognizing the often-overlooked achievements and contributions of Black individuals in various fields, including science, literature, politics, art, and more. It serves as an opportunity to amplify Black voices, challenge stereotypes, and foster greater understanding and empathy across communities.
The Power of Film as an Educational Resource
Film has a unique ability to engage, educate, and inspire audiences of all ages. In the classroom, screening films related to Black history can facilitate meaningful discussions and deepen students' understanding of complex historical events and societal issues. By bringing stories to life through visual and narrative mediums, films provide a more immersive and accessible learning experience.
Moreover, films have the power to humanize historical figures and events, making them more relatable and relevant to students' lives. Whether exploring the Civil Rights Movement, the Harlem Renaissance, or the struggles for racial justice, films offer a window into the lived experiences of Black individuals and communities, fostering empathy and critical thinking skills among students.
Additionally, films can help address gaps in traditional curricula by highlighting lesser-known stories and perspectives. By incorporating diverse voices and narratives, educators can create more inclusive learning environments that reflect the richness and complexity of Black history.
The Importance of Curating Films in Library Collections
Libraries play a crucial role in preserving and disseminating cultural heritage, including films that document and celebrate Black history and culture. Curating a diverse selection of films in library collections ensures that patrons have access to a wide range of perspectives and voices.
A well-curated film collection not only reflects the diversity of the community it serves but also serves as a resource for lifelong learning and exploration. From documentaries and biopics to fictional narratives and experimental films, libraries offer a wealth of cinematic treasures that illuminate the Black experience across different time periods and contexts.
Moreover, libraries provide a safe and welcoming space for individuals to discover, engage with, and learn from diverse perspectives. By curating films that reflect the multiplicity of Black identities and experiences, libraries promote cultural understanding, dialogue, and appreciation among patrons of all backgrounds.
🎥 Documentary Film & YouTube Lecture Series Recommendations
Take a look below at our Black History Month programming for 2024. These educational resources are perfect for classrooms, libraries, or public screenings in your community, providing a platform for dialogue, education, and celebration during this pivotal month and beyond.
When curating film screenings for Black History Month, consider diversity in narratives, genres, and historical periods. Embrace films that showcase the breadth and depth of the Black experience, from struggles to triumphs. Ensure inclusivity by featuring works from Black filmmakers and diverse perspectives. Additionally, balance heavier, historical documentaries with lighter, more accessible films to cater to varied audience preferences.
Ambrose-Meyer Entertainment & Education Channel - Great African American Authors Series
The Ambrose-Meyer Entertainment & Educational Channel, operates from New York City, Los Angeles, and Boulder, Colorado, offering a comprehensive range of productions and distributions, including films, documentaries, and educational and entertainment series.The series delves into the works of a diverse array of African American authors, spanning different time periods, genres, and cultural backgrounds such as Jupiter Hammon, Booker T. Washington, and Gwendolyn Brooks.
Viewers gain a nuanced understanding of the social, political, and cultural forces that shaped the literary landscape for Black writers, enriching their appreciation of the texts themselves. The series celebrates the achievements and resilience of African American authors, providing inspiration and empowerment to viewers, particularly those from marginalized communities.
By being available on YouTube, the series offers accessibility to a wide audience, particularly those from marginalized communities. The online platform allows for easy dissemination and engagement, fostering a broader dialogue around Black literary heritage amongst students, educators, and literature enthusiasts.Each installment of the series serves as a free educational resource, offering deep insights into the life, work, and historical context of featured authors. These offerings are ideal for literature and English classes.
Watch the Great African American Authors trailer by clicking the video below ⬇️
Frantz Fanon: Black Skin, White Mask
Directed by Mark Nash and Isaac Julien | United Kingdom | 1995 | 72 min | Documentary
Frantz Fanon: Black Skin, White Mask explores for the first time on film the pre-eminent theorist of the anti-colonial movements of this century. Fanon's two major works, Black Skin, White Masks and The Wretched of the Earth, were pioneering studies of the psychological impact of racism on both colonized and colonizer. Jean-Paul Sartre recognized Fanon as the figure "through whose voice the Third World finds and speaks for itself."
This innovative film biography restores Fanon to his rightful place at the center of contemporary discussions around post-colonial identity. Isaac Julien, the celebrated black British director of such provocative films as Looking for Langston and Young Soul Rebels, integrates the facts of Fanon's brief but remarkably eventful life with his long and tortuous inner journey. Julien elegantly weaves together interviews with family members and friends, documentary footage, readings from Fanon's work, and dramatizations of crucial moments in Fanon's life. Cultural critics Stuart Hall and Françoise Verges position Fanon's work in his own time and draw out its implications for our own.
Click the link to purchase on the Film Movement website:
https://filmmovement.com/educational/film/frantz-fanon-black-skin-white-mask
Watch the Frantz Fanon: Black Skin, White Mask trailer by clicking the video below ⬇️
Reimagining Safety
Directed by Matthew Solomon | United States | 2023 | 73 min | Documentary
Reimagining Safety, shot on iPhone, has been screened 37 times across the US since last February and has been seen by over 2000 people at community impact screenings hosted by more than 60 coalition organizations. We have 13 more screenings planned for Spring 2024 to date. Additionally, the film was named Best Documentary Feature at the Los Angeles Independent Film Festival, was awarded Best Cinematography at The People's Film Festival in Harlem, and has received a powerful endorsement by The Black Panther Party WA who has added the film to their curriculum.
In Reimagining Safety, ten experts (including LA County District Attorney George Gascón, USC Law Professor Dr. Jody Armour, and Law Enforcement Expert Alex S Vitale) discuss the false premise that more police and more prisons make us safer while providing practical and actionable solutions toward achieving systems of safety that work for everyone. The film is already receiving very positive feedback and support from social justice organizations and newly elected progressive leaders.
Our community screenings have had a tremendous impact in educating communities, connecting residents to local resources, and increasing the understanding that resources make communities safer--not more police or prisons.
Learn more on the official website by clicking the link:
https://www.reimaginingsafetymovie.com/
Watch the Reimagining Safety trailer by clicking the video below ⬇️
Partners of the Heart
Spark Media
Against the backdrop of segregation, Vivien Thomas, a black carpenter’s apprentice with a genius for surgery, and Dr. Alfred Blalock, a renowned white surgeon, dared to defy the medical gospel by forging a partnership that changed the course of medical history.
The two men’s work together led to one of the century’s major breakthroughs – a daring heart operation that has saved thousands of children afflicted with a congenital heart defect called “Blue Baby Syndrome.”
With only a high school degree, Thomas became a cardiac pioneer and a teacher to two generations of America’s premiere heart surgeons at a time when he himself could not become one. His journey is a compelling, often overlooked American story of personal triumph over the strictures of his time.
Narrated by Academy Award Winner Morgan Freeman and featuring the voice of Primetime Emmy-Award-winning actor Courtney B. Vance, Partners of the Heart won the Erik Barnouw Award for Best Historical Documentary and inspired the HBO Primetime Emmy-Award-winning film Like Something the Lord Made. The film was broadcast on PBS' American Experience and was selected as one of the Top 50 projects ever funded by the National Endowment for the Humanities.
To learn more about Spark Media, check out their website by clicking here: sparkmedia.org
Now streaming on Vimeo https://vimeo.com/ondemand/partnersoftheheart
Watch the Partners of the Heart trailer by clicking the video below ⬇️
Other Themes and Topics to Explore
Explore a range of themes and topics throughout Black History Month screenings:
Civil Rights Movement: Feature documentaries and dramas that delve into pivotal moments like the Montgomery Bus Boycott, the March on Washington, and the Selma to Montgomery marches.
African American Contributions: Highlight the contributions of Black individuals in various fields, including science, literature, arts, and sports.
Black Excellence and Resilience: Showcase stories of resilience, triumph, and leadership within the Black community, celebrating achievements despite adversity.
Intersectionality: Address the intersectionality of identities by exploring films that portray the experiences of Black women, LGBTQ+ individuals, immigrants, and other marginalized groups within the Black community.
Contemporary Issues: Address contemporary social and political issues facing the Black community, such as systemic racism, mass incarceration, and economic inequality.
Accessible Resources and Licensing
Ensure accessibility by providing closed captioning, sign language interpretation, and other accommodations for attendees with disabilities. Navigate licensing agreements and copyright regulations to legally screen films in your library or educational institution. Explore streaming platforms, film distributors, and licensing agencies specializing in educational content to access a diverse selection of films for your programming.
Evaluation and Reflection
Gather feedback from attendees through surveys, focus groups, or informal discussions to assess the impact of your film screenings. Reflect on successes, challenges, and areas for improvement to inform future programming efforts. Continuously adapt and refine your approach to better meet the needs and interests of your audience.
Continue to Celebrate Black History Month
As we celebrate Black History Month, it's essential to recognize how much of an asset film can be to educators and libraries as tools for promoting awareness, empathy, and understanding.
Both narrative and documentary films offer dynamic ways to educate audiences about Black History Month. Through captivating storytelling and visual representation, narrative films can immerse viewers in historical events, allowing them to empathize with the experiences of Black individuals throughout history. On the other hand, documentary films offer a factual exploration of Black history, presenting firsthand accounts, archival footage, and expert analysis to shed light on important moments and movements.
By screening films in classrooms, curating diverse collections in library settings, or hosting public screenings in our communities, we can amplify Black voices, preserve cultural heritage, and inspire future generations to continue the ongoing pursuit of justice and equality. Let us embrace the transformative potential of film as we honor the past, engage with the present, and envision a more inclusive and equitable future for all. Happy Black History Month!