Movies To Watch To Help You Educate Yourself About Black History

I'll be the first one to admit that I've been pretty naive about what black people have gone through in history. Having been raised in predominatelly white Salt Lake City, and now living in Boise, it's an issue that I haven't been as educated on as I should be and I've made a vow to change that. These movies have taught me a lot in the wake of the George Floyd murder and the Black Lives Matter movement.

1. The Help: (Netflix) I watched this over the weekend and it was so eye-opening. Although not based on a true story, it still apparently holds a lot of truths. The Help exposes how black maids in the South during the 50's and 60's were treated. I don't want to give too much away, but it's a must see. It's rated PG-13, so I'm even going to let my young teen kids watch it and it has a phenomenal cast including Octavia Spencer.

2. Just Mercy: (Free on Apple TV, Prime, Youtube, etc through June, so watch it today or tomorrow!) This is based on the true story of an attorney played by Michael B. Jordan who helps exonerate the wrongfully accused. One of his first cases is that of Walter McMillian, who is sentenced to die in 1987 for the murder of an 18-year-old girl, despite evidence proving his innocence. It gives a poignant reminder of how black people have been treated in our justice system.

3. The Cosby Show: (Prime) My kids and I have been watching this classic series (despite Bill Cosby's conviction) because even thought it's a comedy, it does a great job of giving little glimpses into what it's been like growing up Black in the United States and the hardships that have molded them. It's been a great conversation piece to have with my kids, while keeping things pretty light-hearted.

Next on my list to watch... 12 Years a Slave. Have you seen it? I'm worried that it may be really graphic and hard to watch, but sometimes I think it's important to watch things that are hard to watch so we can learn and grow.

Are there any other movies or shows that you've seen that can help us educate ourselves and/or our children on these issues?