There are so many movies that you could watch to celebrate Black History Month, but I’ve chosen ten that really stand out and might not be on everyone’s list.  So, if you haven’t seen them, make a point of checking them out this month.  (Hat Tip to Filmmaker M.K. Asante Jr. and Media Rights for some inspiration).

10. Crips and Bloods: Made in America

Director Stacy Peralta’s latest documentary traces the history of Los Angeles’ notorious gangs and uncovers it’s surprising foundation within the Watts riots and the Civil Rights movement.

9. Hungu

This beautifully animated short film, part of YouTube’s celebration of Black History Month, traces the history of the Hungu, an ancient African instrument.

8. The Thirteenth Amendment

An inspiring and amusing documentary short, also featured on YouTube’s Screening Room, that follows a 90 year old great-great-grandmother as she votes for Barack Obama in the 2008 Pennsylvania primary.

7. A Loud Color

Louis Harding takes a tour of his neighborhood in post-Katrina New Orleans, recounting the contributions of notable African Americans to New Orleans culture and the long road ahead.

6. Classified X

Melvin Van Peebles history of the racially stereotyped portrayal of African Americans in cinema.

5. American Blackout

American Blackout examines the recurring patterns of disenfranchisement among Black voters during the elections of 2000 and 2004.

4. Electric Purgatory

Electric Purgatory explores the challenges faced by black rock musicians as they attempt to build a fanbase while facing an unfriendly industry.

3. Wattstax

Introduced by a young Richard Pryor, this account of legendary Stax Records Concert, 1972 follows not only the musical performances of artists such as Isaac Hayes, Staple Singers and Rufus Thomas, but also provides insight into life in Watts during and following the 1965 Watts riots.

2. Where the Water Meets the Sky

Narrated by Morgan Freeman, Where the Water Meets the Sky is the story of a remarkable group of women in a remote region of northern Zambia, giventhe opportunity to learn how to make a film, allowing them to speak out about their lives and to challenge the local traditions which have, until now, kept them silent.

1. Amandla!  A Revolution in Four Part Harmony

Through a chronological history of the South African liberation struggle, this documentary cites examples of the way that music was used in the fight for freedom.

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