“Black History Month is an annual celebration of achievements by African Americans and a time for recognizing their central role in U.S. history,” according toThe History Channel. Celebrating the films that recognize the Black community is an important aspect of the month. Black History Month originated as a means to commemorate significant persons and occurrences in African diaspora’s past. Although other countries celebrate, it is observed in the United States and Canada in February. In 1969, Black educators and Black United Students at Kent State University suggested Black History Month for the first time. A year later, from January 2 to August 02, 2025, Kent State University hosted the inaugural Black History Month event.
In an article on digital mindfulness,Planolynoted, “The modernizing of our country has forced many of its national holidays to unfold in a digital forum.” Most celebrations in today’s society are in some way reflected in the online space. These holidays are also shown in many television shows and films, giving them even more recognition. “Recognizing people of color that fought for equality and a better America for all of us is not a slight to you or your heritage. It’s wholly the uplifting of Black people, not the shaming of others. Equally, don’t feel lesser for not knowing every historical figure or current crusader. This is a time of learning and reflection for everyone,” Planoly continued. Film is an excellent tool to notice and learn about historical events in general. These are the films that your children could see and use as a learning experience, which is how Black History Month originated.
12Soul (2020)
Soul, a 2020 film from Pixar Animation Studios, will transport you through the streets of New York City and show you what life is all about. Even when things don’t go as planned, the movie serves as a reminder that life is a blessing. What does it mean to be alive? To have a soul? When pursuing his actual love in life, jazz music, the main protagonist of this film will attempt to address this issue for himself. This is the first Pixar film to have a Black protagonist character, Joe Gardener, who is voiced by theincomparable Jamie Foxx. The film is classified as family, adventure, and comedy. It has no foul language or graphic scenes, but the plot is quite complicated and may be too much for children under the age of seven.
11Harriet (2019)
For the uplifting action-drama film,Harriet, Cynthia Erivo was nominated for an Academy Award for Best Actress in a Leading Role. The film tells the narrative of Harriet, a child from an oppressed family who was promised freedom but never receives it. As a result, Harriet resolves to flee, a decision that would alter the course of history and turn her into one of America’s greatest heroines. This film is appropriate for children aged 12 and above as there are some violent scenes and racist insults. It also deals with the topic of slavery, which you should discuss with your child before seeing the film presenting a great learning opportunity.
10Hidden Figures (2016)
Hidden Figuresis based on the actual tale of three African-American mathematicians who worked for NASA and were instrumental in propelling John Glenn into orbit. Celebrating Black people who have made extraordinary contributions to our society is at the heart of Black History Month, making this film an excellent pick for everyone. It’s fascinating, motivating, and genuinely depicts the difficulties these women faced at work, including racial and gender harassment.Hidden Figuresis a great film for science fans and those who want to celebrate black history month.
9Dancing in the Light: The Janet Collins Story (2015)
The 2015 smashDancing in the Light: The Janet Collins Storyis a ballerina movie that is suited even for the youngest moviegoers. This animated film is based on the true story of Janet Collins, the first African-American dancer to perform in the Metropolitan Opera House. It’s a short film that comes within the family genre that parents can appreciate it because it is educational, showcases excellent role models, and sends a positive and uplifting message to children. And a perfect film for black history month.
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8Selma (2014)
Martin Luther King Jr. is the most well-known figure in Black History Month.Selmais a film about Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.’s battle for Black people’s right to vote. It focuses on his march from Selma to Montgomery, Alabama, which led to President Lyndon B. Johnson signing the Voting Rights Act of 1965. Carmen Ejogo, David Oyelowo, and Oprah Winfrey are among the cast members that brought this historic occasion to life on the big screen.
7Lee Daniels’ The Butler (2013)
Winfrey also starred inLee Daniels’ The Butler, a period drama based on a true story about the history of African-Americans in America. This time, the Civil Rights Movement is being presented through the perspective of a butler who served eight presidents in the White House. Have you ever pondered how happenings like the Civil Rights Movement and the Vietnam War affected the life of a White House personal assistant? You are now given the opportunity to find out. Something parents should know is that there are multiple sequences depicting hate crimes, graphic violence, and other horrors committed by white Southerners against Black protesters. For these reasons, the film is intended for youngsters aged 13 and up.
6The Princess and the Frog (2009)
One of the greatest Disney stories,The Princess and the Frogis an excellent choice for a Black History movie for children. The film is significantly more upbeat than some of the other alternatives on our list, making it appropriate for children as young as six years old. It doesn’t exactly engage with history, despite the fact that Tiana is the first African American Disney princess. The film is an adaptation of the ancient fable about a princess who discovers her true love after kissing a frog. But the film is about so much more than discovering true love.The Princess and the Frogis a humorous tale that children of all ages will appreciate!
5Garrett’s Gift (2007)
Garrett’s Giftis a 20-minute animated film that teaches children to Garrett Morgan, a notable African-American entrepreneur. Kids will learn how Garrett Morgan came up with the idea for the traffic signal in the short film. The film is educative and inspiring since it reveals how this child with a distinct perspective and who spent much of his day daydreaming devised such an important safety precaution that is still used today! People like you and your children invented everything that appears natural and without which we cannot conceive our reality. This message will give young brains greater confidence in their talents and may motivate them to pursue their ideas.
Related:12 Movies That Honor Black History Month
4The Great Debaters (2007)
The Great Debaters, a historical drama released in 2007, features Melvin B Tolson, a professor at Wiley College.The Great Debaters, like previous films, demonstrates that we can overcome adversity by hard effort, persistence, and a great motivating leader. Melvin defies the odds by inspiring his pupils to establish the first-ever debate team and win the national championship against Harvard. Because of the racist and horrific brutality against Black people in the 1930s, the picture is appropriate for audiences aged 13 and up.
3Akeelah and the Bee (2006)
Akeelah and the Beeis about an 11-year-old girl named Akeelah, who has a phenomenal ability for spelling. Her ambition is to win the National Spelling Bee, but her mother refuses to assist her. Coming from a dangerous area, Akeelah will face many challenges if she is to achieve her goals. The film has no violence or sex scenes, but it does deal with emotional issues such as bereavement for loved ones, family feuds, and some sorrowful dialogues.
