Documentaries About Black History

Last updated: August 14, 2024

Documentaries are a great way to peer into the past, learn about both our proudest and most shameful moments, and connect us to our history. From politics and arts to sports and science, the contributions of Black people have shaped the world we live in. And while Black history is made every day, it's important to stop and reflect on the moments that led to where we are today. While this list isn't exhaustive, watching any of these documentaries is a great way to celebrate and acknowledge the Black experience.

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Amazing Grace Poster Image

MOVIE

Amazing Grace

age 8+

Aretha documentary has soaring music but no narration.

May 10, 2019 2019 G (89 minutes)

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Dance Dreams: Hot Chocolate Nutcracker Poster Image

MOVIE

Dance Dreams: Hot Chocolate Nutcracker

age 8+

Inspirational docu has positive messages, role models.

November 27, 2020 2020 NR (120 minutes)

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King: Man of Peace in a Time of War Poster Image

MOVIE

King: Man of Peace in a Time of War

age 8+

Inspiring documentary about iconic civil rights activist.

January 16, 2007 2007 NR (60 minutes)

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We Are the Dream: The Kids of the Oakland MLK Oratorical Fest Poster Image

MOVIE

We Are the Dream: The Kids of the Oakland MLK Oratorical Fest

age 8+

Docu about kids living MLK's legacy gives all the feels.

February 18, 2020 2020 NR (60 minutes)

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Woman in Motion Poster Image

MOVIE

Woman in Motion

age 8+

Docu about role model Nichelle Nichols inspires, delights.

March 1, 2019 2019 NR (105 minutes)

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A Ballerina's Tale Poster Image

MOVIE

A Ballerina's Tale

age 9+

Engrossing dance docu introduces powerful role model.

October 14, 2015 2015 NR (88 minutes)

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Becoming Poster Image

MOVIE

Becoming

age 9+

Enlightening journey with Michelle Obama on her book tour.

May 6, 2020 2020 PG (89 minutes)

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Thunder Soul Poster Image

MOVIE

Thunder Soul

age 9+

Uplifting docu spotlights legendary high school jazz band.

September 23, 2011 2011 PG (83 minutes)

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We Are the Radical Monarchs Poster Image

MOVIE

We Are the Radical Monarchs

age 9+

Docu about girls' social justice troop inspires all ages.

December 8, 2019 2019 NR (95 minutes)

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Barbara Lee: Speaking Truth to Power Poster Image

MOVIE

Barbara Lee: Speaking Truth to Power

age 10+

Heartfelt doc celebrates politician's integrity, compassion.

August 20, 2021 2021 NR (83 minutes)

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Citizen Ashe Poster Image

MOVIE

Citizen Ashe

age 10+

Inspiring documentary about Black tennis player/activist.

December 3, 2021 2021 NR (94 minutes)

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High on the Hog Poster Image

TV

High on the Hog

age 10+

Food doc gives powerful new perspective on American history.

Netflix Educational (2021)

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How It Feels to Be Free Poster Image

TV

How It Feels to Be Free

age 10+

Clear-eyed docu celebrates talented women facing racism.

PBS Educational (2021)

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I Am Bolt Poster Image

MOVIE

I Am Bolt

age 10+

Winning docu celebrates world's fastest man; mild cursing.

December 6, 2016 2016 PG (107 minutes)

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John Lewis: Good Trouble Poster Image

MOVIE

John Lewis: Good Trouble

age 10+

Inspiring, timely biography of Congress' legendary activist.

July 3, 2020 2020 PG (96 minutes)

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March Poster Image

TV

March

age 10+

HBCU docu celebrates perseverance, teamwork, and Black joy.

CW Reality TV (2022)

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Rise Again: Tulsa and the Red Summer Poster Image

MOVIE

Rise Again: Tulsa and the Red Summer

age 10+

Essential viewing on horrific chapter in American history.

June 18, 2021 2021 NR (90 minutes)

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River City Drumbeat Poster Image

MOVIE

River City Drumbeat

age 10+

Uplifting, heartfelt docu about life-changing drum corps.

August 7, 2020 2020 NR (95 minutes)

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Sacred Soil: The Piney Woods School Story movie poster: 4 Black students lie down outside

MOVIE

Sacred Soil: The Piney Woods School Story

age 10+

Docu about Black boarding school addresses racism; violence.

February 23, 2024 2024 NR (105 minutes)

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Silver Dollar Road movie poster: Black family of smiling older men and women, one sitting down, are in front of background of large river with fishing boat driving off into the distance

MOVIE

Silver Dollar Road

age 10+

Tragic story of one family's fight against racism; violence.

October 20, 2023 2023 PG (101 minutes)

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