Black Civil Rights
These films and documentaries chronicle the long, painful and often dangerous struggle of African-Americans to gain equality under the law. From the days of the slave trade to the political movements of the 1960s, there have always been extraordinary individuals who were not prepared to accept the status quo. It is almost incredible to think that such a large section of the population, living in 'the land of the free' did not even have full suffrage until 1965. For a broader perspective on racism throughout the world you may also like to try the Special Interest category 'Racial Intolerance'.
Pictured: Iconic Civil Rights Leader, Martin Luther King Jr.
Amazing Grace (2006)
7.4/10
Director: Michael Apted
Starring: Ioan Gruffudd, Romola Garai, Benedict Cumberbatch, Albert Finney, Michael Gambon...
The incredible true story of William Wilberforce (Ioan Gruffudd), who fought for years, along with other anti-slavery campaigners, to ban the trans-At... Read more
Voices of Civil Rights: Volume 2 (2006)
In the summer of 2004 a group of journalists embarked on a bus tour that would take them around the US, recording first-hand stories of the Civil Righ... Read more
Voices of Civil Rights: Volume 1 (2006)
Starring: Martin Luther King
A powerful collection of documentary programs chronicling one of the most turbulent and triumphant periods in American history. This series features o... Read more
Glory Road (2006)
7.2/10
Director: James Gartner
Starring: Josh Lucas, Derek Luke, Jon Voight, Austin Nichols, Evan Jones
An inspirational look at one of the most famous basketball games in history and the coach who made it happen. At Texas Western in 1966, Coach Don Has... Read more
How To Eat Your Watermelon in White Company (And Enjoy It) (2005)
7.4/10
Director: Joe Angio
Starring: Melvin Van Peebles, Mario Van Peebles, Spike Lee, etc ...
The remarkable life and career of filmmaker Melvin Van Peebles is laid bare in this warts and all insight into a man whose life path has veered from t... Read more
Lackawanna Blues (2005)
7.9/10
Director: George C Wolfe
Starring: S Epatha Merkerson, Julie Benz, Robert A Bradley, Thomas Jefferson Byrd, Kathlee...
Based on a one-man show by Ruben Santiago-Hudson (played by Hill Harper) this is the inspiring story of Nanny Crosby (S. Epatha Merkerson) a big-heart... Read more
Unforgivable Blackness: The Rise and Fall of Jack Johnson (2005)
8.3/10
Director: Ken Burns
Starring: Muhammad Ali, Adam Arkin, Philip Bosco, Keith David, Jack Johnson, Samuel L Jack...
Award-winning filmmaker Ken Burns employs his inimitable laid back style to explore the life of flambloyant heavyweight boxer, Jack Johnson. Born to... Read more
Brother To Brother (2004)
7/10
Director: Rodney Evans
Starring: Anthony Mackie, Roger Robinson, Larry Gilliard Jr, Aunjanue Ellis, Duane Boutte,...
Perry Williams (Anthony Mackie) is an articulate, black, gay artist living in New York City. Shunned by his family for his sexual orientation and wor... Read more
The Weather Underground (2002)
7.6/10
Director: Sam Green, Bill Siegel
Thirty years ago, a group of young American radicals called The Weathermen announced their intention to overthrow the U.S. government. Fueled by outra... Read more
Citizen King (2001)
Director: Orlando Bagwell, W Noland Walker
This beautifully-crafted documentary traces the last five years in the life of slain civil rights leader Martin Luther King Jr. From his August 1963 L... Read more