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'A Raisin in the Sun' (1961) -

Sidney Poitier narrates a film that portrays the journey of a family blessed with a life insurance payment. The story explores what the mother can do with her newfound wealth and the possibilities that lie ahead for this black family.

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'A Raisin in the Sun' (1961) -

The movie was based on a play written by Lorraine Hansberry in 1959. Daniel Petrie directed it and it features actors such as Sidney Poitier, Claudia McNeil, Ruby Dee, and Diana Sands.

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'Claudine' (1974) -

The movie 'Claudine,' directed by John Berry, showcases the love and obstacles faced in a relationship between a garbage collector and a single mother of six. It features Diahann Carroll and James Earl Jones, among other actors.

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'Glory' (1989) -

This film transports us to the American Civil War, focusing on the 54th Massachusetts Infantry Regiment, which was one of the initial all-Black regiments in the Union Army.

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'Glory' (1989) -

The film, directed by Edward Zwick, features a cast that includes Matthew Broderick, Denzel Washington, Cary Elwes, Morgan Freeman, and Robert Gould Shaw, among others.

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"Do the Right Thing" (1989) -

This movie addresses racial conflicts in New York City while incorporating humorous elements, staying true to Spike Lee's distinctive style.

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'Do the Right Thing' (1989) -

The cast of the movie includes Spike Lee, Danny Aiello, Ossie Davis, Ruby Dee, Giancarlo Esposito, Bill Nunn, John Turturro, and Samuel L. Jackson, among other actors.

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'Malcolm X' (1992) -

A remarkable representation of Malcolm X, an activist for African-American human rights and Nation of Islam minister.

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'Malcolm X' (1992) -

Spike Lee directs the movie, featuring Denzel Washington, Angela Bassett, Delroy Lindo, and more.

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'42' (2013) -

This movie depicts the life of Jackie Robinson, the first Black player in Major League Baseball.

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'42' (2013) -

Brian Helgeland directs the film, which features Chadwick Boseman, T.R. Knight, and Harrison Ford, among other talented actors.

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'12 Years a Slave' (2013) -

This film depicts the tale of a free man who is abducted and forced into slavery in Louisiana. It is inspired by the memoir of Solomon Northup.

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'12 Years a Slave' (2013) -

Steve McQueen directs the film, featuring Chiwetel Ejiofor, Michael Kenneth Williams, Michael Fassbender, Lupita Nyong'o, Brad Pitt, and others.

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'Selma' (2014) -

A highly recommended film that focuses on the Civil Rights Movement and Martin Luther King Jr.'s vital efforts to ensure voting equality.

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'Selma' (2014) -

Directed by Ava DuVernay, this film features David Oyelowo, Carmen Ejogo, Oprah Winfrey, and more.

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'Straight Outta Compton' (2015) -

This movie centers around N.W.A., the legendary LA hip-hop group, and its notable members Eazy-E, Ice Cube, and Dr. Dre. It not only narrates the group's journey but also reflects the African American community's realities in California during the '80s and '90s.

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'Straight Outta Compton' (2015) -

Directed by F. Gary Gray, O'Shea Jackson Jr., Corey Hawkins, and Jason Mitchell star in the movie, along with others.

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'Hidden Figures' (2016) -

This film depicts the narrative of African-American women mathematicians who played a vital role in NASA and the space race in the US.

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'Hidden Figures' (2016) -

The film, directed by Theodore Melfi, features an ensemble cast including Taraji P. Henson, Octavia Spencer, and Janelle Monáe.

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'I Am Not Your Negro' (2016) -

This documentary film is centered around the incomplete book 'Remember This House' by James Baldwin. It depicts the lives of Medgar Evers, Malcolm X, and Martin Luther King Jr.

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'I Am Not Your Negro' (2016) -

Raoul Peck directs the documentary, with narration by Samuel L. Jackson.

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'Mudbound' (2017) -

Two families confront social and racial injustices in rural Mississippi as two men strive to adapt to their new lives after returning from World War II.

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'Mudbound' (2017) -

"The film, helmed by Dee Rees, features an ensemble cast including Carey Mulligan, Garrett Hedlund, Jason Clarke, Jason Mitchell, Jonathan Banks, and Mary J. Blige, among others."

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'BlacKkKlansman' (2018) -

A detective of African descent and a detective of Jewish heritage go undercover in the KKK in Spike Lee's movie.

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'BlacKkKlansman' (2018) -

The movie is humorous, yet its connection to ongoing significant events makes it highly recommended. The on-screen chemistry between John David Washington and Adam Driver is also superb.

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'One Night in Miami' (2020) -

Malcolm X, Muhammad Ali, Jim Brown, and Sam Cooke gather to discuss their contributions to the Civil Rights Movement.

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'One Night in Miami' (2020) -

Regina King serves as the director of the film. The cast includes Kingsley Ben-Adir, Eli Goree, Aldis Hodge, and Leslie Odom Jr., among other actors.

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'Judas and the Black Messiah' (2021) -

The film centers around an FBI informant who joins the Illinois Black Panther Party.

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'Judas and the Black Messiah' (2021) -

The film, directed by Shaka King, features actors Daniel Kaluuya, LaKeith Stanfield, and Jesse Plemons, among others.

Sources: (Marie Claire) (Good Housekeeping)

See also: Defining moments in Black history 

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