This past year has been a lot of learning for me in this area in particular. I wanted to round up some resources for us to both learn (together!) about black history and celebrate black culture and accomplishments. It’s so important to do more than just learn about struggle – so many achievements in the black community have gone overlooked or have been intentionally buried rather than celebrated. Here are a few resources to dig a little deeper into black history, and some people and things to celebrate!
1. 13th
This movie has been one of the most impactful for me as far as learning more about how we have historically arrived where we have today. It’s so quick and gives you so much information without being overwhelming. It’s available on Netflix.
2. Selma
I thought I knew the gist of Martin Luther King Jr.’s story – but it turns out, I hadn’t heard the half of it. This film did a beautiful job of introducing Martin as the complex human being that he was. It also really shows the power of a movement rather than just one person. We are so much stronger together.
3. Homegoing by Yaa Gyasi
I haven’t finished this book yet, but from what I know, it provides more historical context from a more personal perspective over the years. I have heard so many good things about it and wanted to mention it as a resource for anyone who learns better through reading than through movies.
4. Dance Dreams: Hot Chocolate Nutcracker
I know this sounds super Christmassy, and it kind of is? But it’s also not. This movie moreso celebrates Debbie Allen and the amazing choreography work she’s done, in addition to the role she now plays as a dance teacher for hundreds of talented kids who needed a break. It’s such a beautiful movie and I hope I get to see the Hot Chocolate Nutcracker performance IRL someday! It’s a Netflix original.
5. Hair Love
This is the SWEETEST little short film and book! If you have kiddos, read or watch this together as a fam 💜
6. Shop from a Black Business!
This may feel a little less like a resource and more like an action… that would be correct! We need to educate ourselves, but education should lead to empathetic action. Supporting black businesses is a fantastic way to take a first practical step. I have two lists of businesses you can support here and here!
This is just a short list to get started – here’s a bigger list of ideas to keep going!
XOXO Dani