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ETM Speaks Out About:
Classic Films That Every Black Person Should See
Compiled by: Ccep J. Dew
I know that Black History Month ended two months ago, but shouldn’t every month be Black History Month?
This month, the ETM family shares top picks of classic films that enhance or speak to the Black eXperience…
Crooklyn- “This comedy-drama displays the struggles of a low-class Black family growing up in 1970s Brooklyn, New York. It teaches you how to appreciate the hard work your parents do to pay bills & raise their children. One classic scene involves an innocent dog & a bed…”
Coming To America- Starring Eddie Murphy, Arsenio Hall, and James Earl Jones. “Coming to America is a classic comedic film for every black person. It’s the story of an African prince who travels to Queens, New York in search of his Queen.”
New Jack City- Starring Wesley Snipes, Ice-T, and Chris Rock. “New Jack City is a tale of a New York City cop played by rapper Ice-T as he tries to take down a drug king played by Wesley Snipes.”
Boyz in the Hood- Cuba Gooding Jr., Ice Cube, and Nia Long. “Boyz in the Hood details life in South Central Los Angeles. The film tackles several issues in the black community such as the strong male figures, violence: black on black violence, drugs, and education.”
Friday- Starring Ice Cube, Chris Tucker, and Nia Long. “As stereotypically as this movie depicts Black people, I can’t help but in enjoy it! In fact, I have it on my iPod. The dialogue is hilarious and memorable…”
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Precious-“This movie is fairly new, but it has earned its spot on a ‘must-see’ list. Precious is an overweight teen, who happens to be illiterate & pregnant with her second child. The characters deal with real-life situations that almost every black person can relate to, and the acting is superb! Comedian Mo’Nique earned an Oscar for Best Supporting Actress for her role as Precious abusive mother, and she throws many unforgettable one liners throughout!”
The Color Purple- Whoopi Goldberg, Danny Glover, and Oprah Winfrey. “The Color Purple is a film focusing on the discovery of a woman’s self worthy. It is set in the early 1900’s.”
A Raisin In The Sun- Sidney Poitier and Ruby Dee. The film is based on the play of the same by playwright Lorraine Hansberry. “This movie was one of the first released, where an African American woman (Lorraine Hansberry) wrote the script and an African American man (Lloyd Richards) directed the movie. Set in the South side of Chicago, IL, this movie highlighted the real struggle of a black family trying to move up in the "white world", so to speak. In 2005, this movie was selected to the U.S Library of Congress National Film registry, making it one of the most significant films to our culture! Must see!”
Lean On Me- Starring Morgan Freeman. “This movie shows how one person can really make a difference. Not only make a difference, but a lasting legacy of change for the community at large. This movie is very inspirational. It was one of my favorites as a little boy. The struggle and persistence of Morgan’s character in this movie stands out still because he wasn’t popular while he was busy making changes and saving lives. And who can forget then singing ‘Fair Eastside’ in the bathroom? This movie is definitely a classic?”
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What’s Love Got To Do With It- “Is the biography based on Grammy Winner, Tina Turner’s marriage to singer-songwriter Ike Turner. The movie focuses on the abuse she survived & the chronicles of her career. Angela Bassett & Laurence Fishburne scored Oscar nominations respectively for their roles as the couple, and they should’ve won!”
Sister Act- Starring Whoppi Goldberg
Sister Act 2: Back In The Habit- Starring Whoppi Goldberg and Lauryn Hill. “Sister Act is the story of a Lounge singer who agrees to teach music classes at a Catholic school.”
Harlem Nights- Starring comedians Eddie Murphy, Redd Foxx, and Richard Pryor. “Harlem Nights takes a look at life in the 1930’s during the Harlem jazz era. The film features a host of African-American actors such as Murphy, who directed the film, Redd Foxx, Richard Pryor, Jasmine Guy, and Della Reese.”
