Parents' Guide to

The Black List: Vol. 1

By Melissa Camacho, Common Sense Media Reviewer

age 14+

Profound docu explores African-American racial identity.

Movie NR 2008 92 minutes
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What's the Story?

THE BLACK LIST: VOL. 1 is the first in a series of documentaries produced as part of "The Black List Project," which has reclaimed the term "black list" and redefined it to mean "an assembly of short stories about race, struggle, and achievement." The film features excerpts from 21 interviews with notable African-American writers, performers, athletes, activists, and community leaders, including former Guns n' Roses guitarist Slash, tennis champion Serena Williams, former Negro League Baseball star Mahlon Duckett, Civil Rights activist Vernon Jordan, actor/mogul Sean Combs, comedian Chris Rock, Nobel Prize-winning author Toni Morrison, and former Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff Colin Powell. The interviewees share thoughts and personal stories that reflect what being black means to them -- and how their race impacts their overall lives. They also talk about the role that their families, ancestors, and mentors have had in their attempts to succeed in a predominantly white Western culture.

Is It Any Good?

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This film offers interesting and at times unique insights into how different African Americans think about the role that race plays in their lives. It also introduces viewers to African-American leaders who may not be household names but who have built successful careers in fields where few African Americans have succeeded in the past. The Black List also introduces a new generation of viewers to some of the people whose life's work opened the doors and paved the way for all people of color in America.

While the edited interviews sometimes seem a little on the short side, they're actually just long enough to allow viewers to get a sense of each person's individual journey -- and to create an interesting collage of ideas about what being black really means to African Americans. And although the film focuses on the African-American experience, many of the issues it raises could inspire people from other racial/ethnic groups to look to their own communities to explore their own identities and seek mentorship and inspiration. Overall, The Black List offers a profound viewing experience to anyone who has questioned -- or been questioned about -- the role that race has played in their lives.

Talk to Your Kids About ...

  • Families can talk about the African-American experience in the United States. What can African Americans' history in this country teach us? How has the media reflected this experience? Families can also discuss the unique experiences that people from various ethnic backgrounds have in the United States. How does someone's race and/or ethnicity impact their life? Do you think people from different races and/or ethnic backgrounds are treated equally? Why or why not? Parents: Check out our tips on media and stereotypes.

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