Documentaries are vital to preserving and recognizing the history of our communities and raising awareness about ongoing societal issues and oppression. This form of media is both an engaging and informative way to learn about history. Below are several quality documentary recommendations that accurately depict pivotal moments in Black history. In addition to the curriculum offered in history classes, these documentaries will expand deeper into local North Carolina and national Black historic events.
Becoming (Michelle Obama)
Based on Michelle Obama’s memoir, this 1 hour and 29 minute documentary follows the former First Lady reflecting on her time in the White House. A majority of this documentary consists of behind-the-scenes footage of her memoir tour. Obama focuses largely on the pressure and criticism she faced as the wife of the first Black president.
Available to stream on Netflix.
What Happened, Miss Simone?
This 1 hour 41 minute documentary revolves around Nina Simone, a legendary singer and activist during the Civil Rights Movement. Born in North Carolina, Nina Simone wrote music across many genres: classical, folk, gospel, blues, jazz, R&B, and pop, and on several occasions, Rolling Stone magazine named her one of the greatest singers of all time. “What Happened, Miss Simone?” Includes archival footage and interviews with Simone’s loved ones that provide deeper insight into her passions and motivations.
Available to stream on Netflix.
Black Barbie
Released in 2023, “Black Barbie” is a 1 hour 40 minute documentary about the creation of the first Black Barbie doll in 1980. This documentary showcases the importance of representation and the obstacles faced when trying to achieve equal representation. “Black Barbie” includes interviews from the original designer of the Barbie, Kitty Black Perkins.
Available to stream on Netflix.
Toni Morrison: The Pieces I Am
This 2 hour documentary depicts the life of Toni Morrison, a famous American writer and the first Black woman to receive the nobel prize for literature in 1993. Toni Morrison is widely known as the writer of the books “Beloved”, “Sula”, and “The Bluest Eye”. Alongside Toni Morrison, this film also features interviews from Oprah Winfrey, Barack Obama, and several other influential figures.
Available to stream on Tubi.
North Carolina Specific:
New Bern: Spirit of Freedom
“New Bern: Spirit of Freedom” is a 26 minute documentary showcasing the important history of the North Carolina town, New Bern, as a sanctuary for escaped slaves. These individuals created a community with schools, medical care, churches, and an unofficial local militia. This documentary received Best History Documentary at the 2020 Longleaf Film Festival.
Available to stream through PBS.
NC’s American Coup: Wilmington 1898
This 1 hour 52 minute documentary discusses the history of Wilmington, North Carolina and retells the overthrowing of the multiracial government by white-supremasists. The 1898 insurrection led to a massacre and forced relocation of thousands of Black people. “NC’s American Coup: Wilmington 1898” highlights influential figures like Alex Manley, publisher of the only Black-owned newspaper in Wilmington and whose office was burnt down.
Available to stream on Youtube or PBS.
Our Movement Starts Here
The 56 minute documentary “Our Movement Starts Here” showcases how a rural community in Warren County, North Carolina fought plans to create a landfill within their community. This documentary discusses environmental racism and the pivotal civil rights activists and environmentalists that fought it.
Available to stream through PBS.
