2025 Guide to Black History Month Films for Libraries and Universities

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I, Too

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Planetwalker

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The Picture Taker

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A Black Jesus

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Black Feminist

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MLK/FBI

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Black and Missing

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Hair Story

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We Were Here

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Top 10 Civil Rights Films for Libraries and Classrooms

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All images in this guide are the property of their respective distributors.

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Encompass Films "Planetwalker"

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Video Project "I, Too"

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I, Too Video Project | Political Issues, History, Social Issues, Documentary | English | 63 Minutes | 2024

I, Too embarks on a journey with Dr. Carol Anderson, a New York Times best-selling author and professor at Emory University, who seeks to uncover the truth behind America's troubled history. The film delves into the persistent mythologies and contradictions within American society, particularly the disparity between the nation's ideals and its actions. Dr. Anderson, having grown up in a military family during the civil rights movement, witnessed firsthand the contradictions of a country that professed freedom and equality while denying these very rights to many of its citizens. Her father's valor as a WWII veteran and her brother's service in Vietnam only intensified the dilemma of loving a country that did not reciprocate that love.

I had one issue with I, Too: I could not make the leap Dr. Anderson wanted me to make in terms of aim and severity. The comparison of the January 6th Capitol Riot to several mass lynchings didn’t entirely click for me. I can see how similar rhetoric was used to stir up support for violent action and sow chaos. I can see how both are massive injustices. Where things start to fall apart for me is the lack of legal prosecution for these historic lynchings, and the fact that votes aren’t worth the same as human lives. Equating these disparate events simply in terms of harm done feels very flat-footed.

There were some glimpses of conversation about how many black people felt less shocked than white people by the events of January 6th because of historic violent oppression against their communities, but these statements seem quickly forgotten as the film moves on. My frustration comes from a lack of further analysis. It almost seems to tack on the January 6th stuff just to get some additional attention from those interested in that event, and it always bugs me when a history documentary wastes time trying to be trendy: It eats into the time spent on the interesting and informative bits.

The historical analysis and breakdowns of several notable mass killings of black Americans during the Reconstruction and Jim Crow eras including Wilmington, Hamburg, and Ocoee was top-notch, and as reviews or introductions to these dark chapters of American history, I, Too was outstanding. Library patrons or students looking for a documentary that discusses some understudied episodes from American history or the struggle of trying to find primary sources discussing the overt racism and violence of the Jim Crow era will be very pleased to see I, Too. This is another area where the documentary really shines. Highly Recommended Read the full documentary review here.

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Encompass Films "Planetwalker"

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Planetwalker Encompass Films | Documentary, Environment, Social Issues, Short Film | English | 31 minutes | 2024 John Francis was known to his friends and family as a bit of an oddball from the first years of the hippie movements of the 60s. His community began to take more notice when John started refusing to use motorized transportation after witnessing an oil tanker spill in 1971. Instead, he would walk everywhere, often playing his banjo. Soon thereafter, he also took a vow of silence, learning sign language and communicating through gestures and patience.

Now 78 years old, John has gone back to talking and sometimes drives a gifted Toyota Prius, but he still believes that his silent years were some of the most important in his life. Earning a doctorate in the 1980s led him to work as an environmental advisor to the Coast Guard. In Planetwalker, Dr. John Francis and his closest friends and family share their experiences with this groundbreaking environmentalist in the years that formed his philosophy of self-reliance and environmental respect.

Using a combination of modern-day interviews, archival footage, and animation, Planetwalker is a thoughtful biography of a very intriguing man. Through John and his former compatriots, we learn about the deep philosophy John created through his vows of silence and anti-consumption. With additions from his family members and some discussion with John himself, we learn how race impacted his beliefs and his actions in the 70s and 80s.

All in all, Planetwalker is a stunning documentary. From start to finish, I was invested in John and his ideals. This isn’t a story that could easily take place today with new antivagrancy laws being passed every day and center-stage culture wars fanning the flames of racial hatred. Dr. John Francis wants us to learn how simple individual choices can lead to a greater understanding of Mother Earth and perhaps lead many to change their ways for the better. Environmentalism is, at its core, all about respect and kindness: These are the lessons John wishes to pass on. Highly Recommended.

Editor’s Choice.

Read the full documentary review here.

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Film Movement "Coming to You"

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The Picture Taker Good Docs | Art, Documentary, Social Issues | English| 80 minutes | 2022 A visual storyteller. A truth teller with a camera. But did Ernest Withers “sell his soul”?

Known for his candid and often emotionally stirring photos of key events in the Civil Rights Movement, you’ve almost definitely seen Ernest Withers’ work whether you’ve realized it or not. Withers’ contribution to the photographic record of American history cannot be understated, making his betrayal as an FBI informant all the more painful and complicated. Director Phil Bertelsen’s documentary, The Picture Taker, tells the story of one Memphis man’s contradictory role in documenting, monitoring, and ultimately preserving a pivotal moment in American history.

Withers began his career as a photographer while serving in the military during World War Two. After a brief stint as a Memphis police officer, he opened a photography studio. “Pictures Tell The Story” was his slogan and throughout a decades-long career, Withers used photos to tell the story of Emmett Till’s murder trial, the Montgomery Bus Boycott, and the assassination of Martin Luther King Jr..His photos drew attention to Tennessee’s “Tent City” families – Black people evicted by white landlords for registering to vote. (He also photographed the subsequent wave of white, bleeding heart volunteers who felt compelled to help after seeing his photos.)

But he also immortalized joyous moments in the city’s Black community, photographing baseball games and touring artists like James Brown or Ike and Tina Turner.

It wasn’t until after Withers died in 2007 that the FBI released documents revealing the “chronicler of our community,” Ernest Withers, was an FBI informant. Or as one interviewee in The Picture Taker puts it, “A paid snitch.” The FBI needed help with identifying people within the Civil Rights movement, so they recruited AfricanAmerican informants like Withers to supposedly help fight communism and prevent violence within the Black community. Interviewees range from disappointed and hurt

by Withers actions, to somewhat understanding, to downright defensive.

Read the full documentary review here.

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Outcast Films "A Black Jesus"

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A Black Jesus Outcast Films | Religion, Documentary, Social Issues | Sicilian, Italian & French w/ English subtitles | 92 Minutes Sicily is renowned throughout history for being one of the most ancient geographical crossroads. As a strategic point placed in the middle of the Mediterranean sea, the artistically and culturally multifaceted island has witnessed at least thirteen different colonizations, from Greeks and Etruscans to Arabs and Normans. There is still a plethora left of architectural and linguistic elements to prove it. There used to be a time, as recently as the mid-1970s, when Sicilians themselves were perceived as foreigners.

Poverty and lack of jobs were the main reasons why Southern Italians felt somehow coerced into moving either to other continents like the Americas and Australia or simply to northern Italian and European regions in search of a better quality of life, establishing their own little communities all the while enduring the struggle of being seen as less than by the locals. Older generations still hold the unpleasant memory of signs spread on shops and housing complexes up in northern Italy which clearly stated "Africans, Sicilians, and dogs not welcome”.

Luca Lucchesi perfectly captures a multitude of perspectives and agendas coexisting within such a small environment as Siculiana. He lays bare the shameful overly nationalistic, and exclusionary political attitude of Minister Matteo Salvini. A Black Jesus details the disunity among the indigenous population and refugees, as well as dissension among the locals themselves when faced with both the abundant flux of immigration and the lack of jobs in their small Sicilian coastal town. This pushes a lot of young locals to search for fortune elsewhere, therefore rehashing an ancestral historical cycle.

Read the full documentary review here.

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Women Make Movies "Black Feminist"

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Black Feminist Women Make Movies | Documentary, Political Issues, Women's Studies, Social Issues | English | 53 Minutes | 2020 With Black Feminist, Zanah Thirus directs and produces another in a long line-up of indie documentary shorts that eschew stereotypes surrounding microbudget films.

Although the production is limited in scope, the simplicity of back-to-back interviews works for the film in keeping the focus on the individuals and the ideology they discuss.

Narrated by LaToya Johnson (Nadirah Lugg), Black Feminist is divided into several chapters focused on different aspects of Black feminism, such as its origin, its goals, and the resistance to the movement. It provides insight from several figures from varied backgrounds and professions, including Thirus herself.

Although these authors, professors, actresses, etc. are not in conversation with each other, the film does compile their interviews together in a way that makes the documentary feel like one open, honest conversation. They explain the need for Black feminism by unveiling a history of inequality. Fighting for equality for Black people, they argue, has been equated with fighting for equality for Black men; equality for women has been equated with equality for White women. Black Feminist delves into this issue, uncovering the importance of intersectionality when it comes to opposing racial and gender oppression.

Read the full documentary review here.

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IFC Films " MLK/FBI"

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MLK/FBI IFC Films | History, Political Issues, Biography, Documentary | English | 106 Minutes | 2022 For all his exploits and accomplishments, Martin Luther King, Jr. was under constant surveillance by the government during his time as a civil rights advocate. The documentary MLK/FBI details the organization’s harassment of King, using newly declassified documents as a guide. It would make an exceptional inclusion in any Black History Month or Martin Luther King Jr. Day library programming.

The film’s chronology stems from 1955 to King’s death in 1968.

Interestingly, no new information is provided regarding his assassination. Those wishing to see James Earl Ray be exonerated won’t find it here. Instead, attention is paid to the FBI’s attempts to discredit the activist. This was done primarily by leaking information about King’s extramarital relationships. Viewers will also notice the racial disparities in King and his followers vs. the majority-white FBI. Read the full documentary review here.

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HBO "Black and Missing"

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Black and Missing HBO | Political Issues, Documentary, Social Issues, Women's Studies, Gender | English | 240 Minutes | 2022 Racial disparities have been a part of the American landscape for decades. One area where you wouldn’t think these disconnects would appear is missing person cases. HBO’s four-part series Black and Missing highlights these disconnects. The educational documentary series would make a great topic of discussion for media studies classes.

In 2020 alone, over 100,000 black girls and women went missing, many with no media coverage. In contrast (and the recent Gabby Petito case highlights this) Caucasian girls and women who go missing have their own news value attributed to them: Missing White Women Syndrome (MWWS). Spearheaded by Emmy-winning TV editor Geeta Gandbhir and CNN’s Soledad O’Brien, the docuseries follows the ongoing work of the Black and Missing Foundation. Its founders, Derrica and Natalie Wilson are portrayed as relentless pursuers of justice.

Read the full review here.

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Dreamscape Media "Hair Story"

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Hair Story Dreamscape Media | Children, Animation | English | 26 minutes | 2022 Director Andy T. Jones brings to life the verse and (seemingly Ezra Jack Keatsinspired) illustrations of writer Nonieqo Ramos and artist Keisha Morris in this adaptation of their 2021 children's book of the name name. Hair Story bids to be one of the various uplifting multicultural titles to follow in the once-controversial footsteps (or comb-teeth, as it were) of Carolivia Herron's Nappy Hair.

Hair Story would be a great selection for teaching racial diversity with film for Pre-K or elementary school students. Public librarians putting together unique library programs focused on diversity and inclusion should also check out this resource.

A black girl and a Puerto Rican girl, both friends, have frizzy, afro-style hair that refuses to be tamed by straightening treatments and grueling visits to the salon. But rather than accepting stereotyped beauty roles, they learn to embrace their hair, and the culture it represents, in a hip-hop-ish rhyming narrative/soliloquy (“Fingers decide...the algorithm inside”).

Read the full review here.

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Do the Right Films "We Were Here"

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We Were Here Do the Right Films | Art, Documentary, History | English

We Were Here dives explores the histories and stories of well-known figures like Alessandro De' Medici, Juan de Pareja, João de Sá Panasco, and Saint Benedict of Palermo. Shot across iconic locations in Europe and Brazil with a roster of multilingual experts in art and history, this educational documentary does an excellent job of condensing the lives and stories of a handful of notable Africans in Renaissance Europe and how their presence and skills shaped history and the visuals of Europe’s most famous art movement. Combining reenactments and animations with the experts' passionate explanations of history and Renaissance society, We Were Here gives a surprisingly deep and enjoyable journey through an important and understudied aspect of art history.

We Were Here is an incredibly well-researched documentary with dozens of scholarly sources and expert voices added to the film. Unveiled at the 60th International Art Exhibition la Biennale Venezia in 2024, this film joins a long tradition of studying the African presence in Europe through the lens of art and history. Fred Kuwornu, an AfroItalian filmmaker and educator, leads the documentary from subject to subject, expert to expert, filling in the expert analysis with thoughts about the subjects and their portrayals in different works of art: Some show them darker or lighter skinned while others exaggerate or diminish certain facial features.

With his long work in the field of socio-cultural optics regarding Africans and their descendants, Kuwornu is a bit of an expert himself, and fans of his previous films Blaxploitalian and Inside Buffalo will see his hand at work in We Were Here. The only issue with the film are the asides about time and place that take up a lot of space but don’t really add much to the documentary. Any professors teaching art history, Black history, or European history will find a way to use We Were Here in the classroom.

We Were Here: The Untold Story of Black Africans in Renaissance Europe is an eyeopening journey that not only challenges the conventional narratives of European history but also redefines the way we view the contributions of Black Africans to art, diplomacy, and scholarship during the Renaissance. Highly recommended.

Read our full documentary review here.

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Top 10 Civil Rights Films for Libraries and Classrooms Civil rights films have the power to educate and inspire, offering windows into pivotal moments and movements that shaped history. For educators and librarians, these films provide valuable tools for fostering discussions on equality, justice, and social responsibility. The following list features ten must-watch films-both documentaries and narratives-that explore the fight for civil rights in America and beyond.

Disney "Ruby Bridges"

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Selma

helping students connect past struggles for justice with current movements. By featuring Lewis’s unwavering dedication and deeply humane approach to activism, the film encourages young viewers to stand up for their values and participate meaningfully in their communities.

A dramatization of the 1965 Selma-toMontgomery voting rights marches, Selma provides a powerful depiction of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. and other activists as they fight for equal rights in the face of systemic violence and political obstruction. For classrooms, this film delivers a dynamic portrait of a pivotal moment in the Civil Rights Movement, encouraging students to understand the complexities behind nonviolent protests and the legislative struggles to secure voting rights.

Teachers can use this film to foster discussions about civic engagement, perseverance, and the ongoing importance of protecting democratic participation.

Ruby Bridges Based on the true story of Ruby Bridges, a six-year-old African American girl who integrated an all-white elementary school in New Orleans, this film is especially relatable for younger students.

It shows the Civil Rights Movement from a child’s perspective, highlighting the bravery, resilience, and strength required to face hostility and hatred with dignity.

For classrooms, it offers a compelling narrative that makes history accessible and encourages students to empathize with the courage Ruby displayed.

While the film does contain scenes of intense violence and racial slurs, it handles its historical content with gravity and respect. Educators should consider reviewing these moments beforehand to ensure that the maturity level of their students aligns with the film’s difficult subject matter. With proper context and thoughtful guidance, Selma can be a profoundly instructive resource for older middle schoolers and high school learners.

This family-friendly film is suitable for elementary-age students and up, providing a gentle yet impactful introduction to segregation, racism, and social change. It encourages children to consider how even one small person’s actions can influence larger transformations. Educators can use Ruby’s story to foster discussions about fairness, compassion, and the significance of education in overcoming barriers.

John Lewis: Good Trouble This documentary offers an intimate look at the life and legacy of Congressman John Lewis, a Civil Rights icon who marched, organized, and advocated for equality over many decades. The film’s footage and interviews highlight his humble upbringing, early activism alongside Dr. King, and long career in public service. In the classroom, John Lewis: Good Trouble illustrates the capacity for ordinary individuals to effect extraordinary change and invites discussions about moral courage, nonviolent resistance, and the evolving nature of civil rights issues.

Unspoken Unspoken explores the legacy of systemic racism and the ongoing efforts to uncover, acknowledge, and address past injustices. This modern documentary frames civil rights not as a closed chapter in history but as a living, breathing conversation that must continue in communities and classrooms today. For educators, this film creates openings for meaningful dialogue about the ways in which historical silence and denial have-

The documentary is accessible to most middle and high school audiences, 29

shaped current social tensions, and how knowledge can be a critical step toward reconciliation. Though it deals with challenging topics, Unspoken is suitable for high school students who can thoughtfully reflect on nuanced issues.

By focusing on contemporary efforts to confront and understand historical wrongdoing, the film promotes critical thinking and a commitment to truthtelling as a fundamental tool of social progress.

viewers to understand civil rights as a dynamic collective effort involving countless unsung heroes.

Appropriate for upper-elementary through high school students, the documentary blends historical footage and expert commentary to show how one woman’s moral stand sparked a movement. By examining Parks’s lifelong commitment to equality, educators can guide students toward recognizing the personal sacrifices involved in social activism and the importance of leadership at every level.

To Kill a Mockingbird A renowned adaptation of Harper Lee’s novel, To Kill a Mockingbird follows Atticus Finch, a lawyer in the segregated American South, as he defends a Black man falsely accused of a crime. For classrooms, the film provides a literary and historical springboard into discussions on racial injustice, legal ethics, and the power of empathy. Its central themes of fairness and moral courage help students understand that civil rights challenges existed—and persist—beyond organized protests.

While younger viewers can appreciate its central messages, educators should guide them through the film’s cultural and historical context. Atticus’s example as a moral exemplar and the injustices faced by Tom Robinson can prompt rich conversations about bias, prejudice, and the importance of standing up for what is right, regardless of one’s environment.

The Long Walk Home Set against the backdrop of the Montgomery Bus Boycott, The Long Walk Home tells the intertwined stories of two women—one Black, one white—whose lives are shaped and changed by this pivotal protest. In the classroom, it provides an accessible narrative that illustrates the costs of defying segregation and the strength forged through solidarity. Teachers can use it to highlight the sacrifices made by ordinary people who, day after day, chose collective action over injustice.

Sensitive for upper-elementary and above, the film’s emotional depth and personal focus make it a strong entry point for younger viewers. It encourages empathy and comprehension of how systemic bias affected everyday life.

The Picture Taker The Picture Taker unravels the story of photographer Ernest Withers, famous for documenting the Civil Rights Movement from the front lines, yet allegedly involved in complex relationships with law enforcement. This film encourages students to explore ethical questions about historical memory, journalistic integrity, and the complicated roles individuals can play in social struggles.

For classroom use, it sparks conversations about how images shape-

Rosa Parks: First Lady of the Civil Rights Movement This documentary pays tribute to Rosa Parks, often celebrated for her courageous refusal to give up her seat on a segregated bus, while also illuminating her full breadth of activism that stretched far beyond that iconic moment. In the classroom, this film helps students appreciate Parks as a strategic organizer and a key figure who inspired monumental changes in the fight against racial injustice. It encourages 30

Good Docs "The Picture Taker"

our collective understanding of justice, power, and movement-building.

Because it delves into potentially controversial areas—surveillance, informants, and the gray areas of activism—this documentary is best suited for mature high school students.

By critically analyzing the interplay between activism and potential compromise, learners gain a more nuanced understanding of human complexity within the Civil Rights era and beyond.

students learn about the importance of mentorship, collaboration, and resilience.

The film encourages young viewers to dream big, pursue their passions, and stand firm in the face of discrimination.

Eyes on the Prize This seminal documentary series chronicles key events and figures in the Civil Rights Movement, from the Montgomery Bus Boycott to the Voting Rights Act and beyond. Through rare archival footage, interviews, and thoughtful narration, students can witness firsthand accounts and grapple with the complexity, sacrifices, and milestones of this transformative period.

The series fosters a comprehensive, chronologically coherent understanding of the movement’s evolution, strategies, and legacies.

Hidden Figures Hidden Figures celebrates the vital, previously underrecognized role of three African American women mathematicians; Katherine Johnson, Dorothy Vaughan, and Mary Jackson; working at NASA during the space race.

Their perseverance, intellect, and dignity challenged both racial and gender barriers, making them instrumental in America’s achievements in space exploration. This film teaches students that breaking down social obstacles often intersects with advancements in science, technology, and innovation.

Suitable for middle and high school students, Eyes on the Prize can be viewed in segments to align with curricular goals and available class time. It provides an indispensable resource for understanding the fullness of the Civil Rights era, and each episode can be coupled with reflection activities, primary source analysis, and comparisons to contemporary social justice movements.

Appropriate for upper elementary and above, Hidden Figures invites discussions about representation in STEM fields, the interplay between social progress and scientific discovery, and the value of inclusion. By seeing these extraordinary women excel against incredible odds, 31

Explore, Stream, Collect, Share To check availability and purchasing options visit: DVDs: Midwest Tape Baker & Taylor Alliance Entertainment Corporation MVD Entertainment Group Streaming: Kanopy Hoopla Film Platform Licensing: Get Digital Site Licenses (DSL) and Public Performance Rights (PPR) directly from the film's distributor.

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Encompass Films "Planetwalker"

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