Celebrating Black Excellence: Must-See Films, TV Shows, Albums and Books of the Last Decade

It is officially Black History Month – a time to celebrate the rich cultural tapestry, resilience, and achievements of individuals throughout Black history. And yes, while that should happen every day; because February is officially designated as Black History Month, I feel it’s only right that I acknowledge it with a specific post.

Unquestionably, there is a plethora of resources and literature on various black history topics, which means there is no way to make a definitive list. However, I wanted to share a few films, television shows, music, and books that have shaped the last decade of black history and culture.  

Here is a curated list of must-see films, television shows, albums, and books to explore this Black History Month.

Films:

• Black Panther – Marvel’s groundbreaking superhero film not only shattered box office records but also brought Afrofuturism to the forefront.

• 12 Years a Slave – Based on Solomon Northup’s memoir, the Academy Award-winning film for Best Picture, offers a raw portrayal of slavery in America, while showcasing the resilience and strength of the human spirit.

• Moonlight – Another Best Picture winner, Moonlight is a poignant coming-of-age story that explores identity, toxic masculinity, and love within the Black gay community.

• Selma – Chronicling the historic 1965 marches from Selma to Montgomery for voting rights, this film is a stirring reminder of the tireless fight for civil rights led by Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.

Television Shows:

• When They See Us – This gripping miniseries by Ava DuVernay tells the harrowing true story of the Central Park Five, nee The Exonerated Five, highlighting the many racial injustices and flaws within the criminal justice system.

• Dear White People – A witty and insightful satire, this Netflix series delved into the experiences of Black students at a predominantly white Ivy League university, tackling issues of race, identity, and activism.

• The 1619 Project – Adapted from a New York Times journalism project, the six-episode anthology series is a blistering and unflinching examination of slavery in the United States through various themes and cultural expressions. 

• Black-ish – Created by Kenya Barris, Black-ish offered a humorous yet insightful exploration of contemporary Black family life, addressing social issues with wit and warmth. A must-watch for its blend of comedy and cultural commentary.

Albums:

• To Pimp a Butterfly by Kendrick Lamar – A masterful blend of jazz, funk, and hip-hop, Kendrick Lamar’s magnum opus explores themes of racial inequality, identity, and self-discovery with poetic lyricism and musical innovation. Also, he was totally robbed at the Grammys for Album of the Year (just saying…). 

• Lemonade by Beyoncé – Through a stirring mix of genres, including R&B, pop, and country, Beyonce’s visual album is a powerful ode to Black womanhood, showcasing various themes, including love, betrayal, resilience, and empowerment.

• Ctrl by SZA – Before the career-defining success of SOS, there was Ctrl, SZA’s debut studio album. A raw and vulnerable exploration of love, heartbreak, and self-discovery, the album features soulful vocals and introspective lyrics.

• Black Panther: The Album by Various Artists – Curated by Kendrick Lamar, the soundtrack to the billion-dollar Marvel film is a musical celebration of Black excellence and African culture, featuring a diverse lineup of artists and genres.

Books:

• Between the World and Me by Ta-Nehisi Coates – Coates’ powerful and intimate letter to his son explores the realities of being Black in America, tackling issues of racism, identity, and systemic oppression.

• The Hate U Give by Angie Thomas – This groundbreaking YA novel follows the aftermath of a police shooting through the eyes of black teenager Starr Carter. It offers a raw and unflinching look at race relations and activism.

• Homegoing by Yaa Gyasi – Gyasi’s sweeping debut novel follows the descendants of two half-sisters, one sold into slavery and the other married off to a British slave-owner. Spanning continents and centuries, Homegoing offers a profound exploration of the intergenerational trauma of slavery and the enduring legacy of family ties.

• The Underground Railroad by Colson Whitehead – This Pulitzer Prize-winning novel reimagines the Underground Railroad as a literal train network, following the journey of a young enslaved woman named Cora. Whitehead’s gripping storytelling shines a light on the harrowing realities of slavery while infusing elements of magical realism.

Whether on screen, in music, or through literature, there is a wealth of wisdom and creativity to explore this Black History Month. Let us take the time to honor and uplift these diverse voices, stories, and contributions and remember to celebrate Black excellence not just in February, but every day of the year.

10 Literary Classics That Hit Just Right

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For anyone who’s ever taken an English Literature class, you remember it well. The required reading is often loaded with “classics.” Those novels that are considered some of the greatest literature of all time and a must-read for everyone at least once in their lifetime. 

Unfortunately, some classics leave us bored and struggling to get through the whole thing. On the other hand, some are just right and have truly stood the test of time. The following are ten classics that are always worth reading. 

• Wuthering Heights – Gothic imagery, toxic relationships, ghosts, love, hate, passion, and more. What could be better? Wuthering Heights, a book I affectionately sum up as “the love story of toxic assholes,” has it all. Unlikable protagonists that you don’t want to root for but still find fascinating because they’re so deliciously well-written. Not your mother’s romance novel, Wuthering Heights is a cautionary tale on the dangers of too much passion and how it can lead to the destruction of all who have the misfortune to be near it. 

• The Outsiders – Full disclosure, I only recently read this one for the first time. It’s one of those classics that slipped under my radar for years. Having read it, I can say that the hype is fitting. It’s a simple story, told in just under 200 pages. Yet, author S.E. Hinton manages to pack a range of thematic emotions within that small time frame. And yes, the fact that Hinton began writing The Outsiders at just 14 years old, and completed it at the still young age of 16, makes it all the more impressive. 

• To Kill a Mockingbird – A staple of most English Literature syllabuses, and for a good reason. It’s an excellent novel. Told through the innocence of a child’s eyes, To Kill a Mockingbird is a sobering exploration of race in the deep South during the Great Depression. And while perhaps not a fun read, it’s certainly an emotional one that explores various meaningful themes about life. 

• Wide Sargasso Sea – Indeed, most people are likely far more familiar with this novel’s predecessor – Jane Eyre. And while Jane Eyre certainly holds its own among the pantheon of classics, Wide Sargasso Sea ranks higher for me. One reason is like author Jean Rys, I was more intrigued by the “crazy wife locked in the attic” while reading Jane Eyre than I ever was by Rochester or Jane and their ill-fated romance. I wondered why and how this woman went mad and why her husband thought locking her up in a tower was a sound idea. And Rys does an excellent job of transforming the “woman in the attic” from a shadowy, background character into a fully-realized person. 

• The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn – I’ve read and understand the many criticisms about this book, namely Mark Twain’s use of some very offensive language. However, in my opinion, one has to consider that the novel is indicative of its time, in the way some films and music are. Once you do, I believe it’s easy to appreciate the heartfelt story that’s told. Huckleberry Finn is an unquestionably flawed character. However, there is a kindness and innocence that Twain expertly showcases through the unlikely friendship with Jim and their journey together along the Mississippi River. 

• And Then There Were None – I love the Mystery/Thriller genre. It’s currently my favorite book genre. So naturally, I had to see for myself if the acclaim was warranted for what is dubbed, “one of the greatest mystery/thrillers of all time.” And yes, it is. Not even the fact that I figured out the guilty party halfway through the novel dampened my enjoyment. Because I was still captivated by the “why” and “how.” Obviously, the list of Agatha Christie’s collective works is long. However, there is a reason And Then There Were None remains a standout for many. 

• East of Eden – If someone told me while reading the first 20 chapters of East of Eden, I’d come to love it and declare it one of my favorite classics, I would have laughed in their faces. That’s how difficult it was to initially get into the story. At some point however, it all came together and I found myself flying through the remaining chapters. East of Eden is a novel that takes its time developing the characters’ backstories, the story setting, and conflict. But when it’s firmly established, you’re left with an astounding, sweeping story of family, love, loss, and betrayal, all told alongside a rich undertone of biblical themes and imagery. 

• The Scarlet Letter – Patriarchal rule negatively impacts and controls a woman. There’s something we’ve never seen (sarcasm is intentional). For this, and many other reasons, The Scarlet Letter is not exactly a fun or even easy book to read. But it is a significant and empowering read. Hester Pryne, although woefully mistreated, never allows herself to be a victim or cower in the shame that’s expected of her. 

• Emma – This is one of my long-held “unpopular book opinions.” I know consensus dictates that I include Pride and Prejudice when considering Jane Austen’s works. However, Emma holds a special place in my heart. And to be clear, this does not mean I disliked Pride and Prejudice. Far from it. It’s just not high on my list of favorite classics. There is a lightness in Emma that I didn’t find in many of Austen’s other works. It’s just a fun read – from the hapless characters, to the constant miscommunication and heartwarming love stories. 

• Othello – Yes, technically, this is a play and not a novel. But I say it still counts. The list of brilliant works from Shakespeare is long. And I enjoyed many of them. However, Othello ranks highly because it is predominantly told from the perspective of, in my opinion, one of the greatest literary villains of all time. Throughout the play, we follow this one man’s determination to destroy so many lives with no obvious motive. Yes, there was a desire for power, and potentially a racial component, since Othello was a man of color (another factor that makes the play so intriguing for its time). Or perhaps Iago was merely a psychopath or all of the above. The reader never knows the answer because Shakespeare cleverly ends the play with Iago’s resolution to not say why he made the choices he did. It’s all left up to the reader to figure it out. Othello is a fascinating character study because while the reader understandably hates Iago and his actions, he is still compelling.

Bridgerton – Can Fact and Fantasy Co-Exist?

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I know what you’re thinking, “great, another Bridgerton-related think piece.” It’s okay, I would say the same if I were reading this on someone else’s blog. But what can I say, in the words of the great Frank Costanza, “I’ve got some things to say.” 

As noted, there have certainly been a lot of opinions, discussions, narratives, and debates about Netflix’s breakout hit series. Remember all the heated discussions over “that scene” in Season 1? I’m sure you do. That controversy aside, perhaps the most oft-discussed and debated topic regarding the series, is race. 

In particular, the show’s much-lauded approach to what is considered “color-blind casting.” Color-blind casting, in layman’s terms, means casting without bias to race, gender, age, etc. In the case of Bridgerton, the show is particularly praised for its color-blind casting with regard to race. 

Set in Regency-Era England, historical accuracy would suggest that most members of the elite Ton would be all white. Certainly, it is highly unlikely that there would have been a prominent black Duke, as played by Regé-Jean Page in Season 1. And the most recent season featured a woman of Indian heritage as the lead romantic interest. 

Along with the interracial lead romances of Seasons 1 and 2, the Queen, the most powerful woman in the country, is a black woman. And the myriad of ball and promenade scenes all feature supporting characters of various races. However, while the show has been lauded for color-blind casting, a significant number of criticisms have also been levied at the show’s creators and writers. 

The most common is the debate of whether or not the show does a disservice by not acknowledging the dark reality of the show’s time period. In other words, as one scholar noted on a podcast I listened to some weeks ago; “as nice as it was to see dark-skinned Indian women represented in Season 2 with the Sharma sisters, the reality is that colonialism and British rule over India was a very ugly reality of that time.” 

That was not the first time I’d heard this point made. But for some reason, that particular podcast episode struck a chord, and I found myself pondering the issue a little deeper. And after some careful consideration, here’s where I stand. 

First, full disclosure, I am a black woman of color and History was also one of my favorite subjects in school. So I know all too well about the very dark period and atrocities of the Transatlantic Slave Trade, colonialism, and the early years of indentured servitude. I know and understand the history of exactly how Great Britain, and most Western European nations acquired much of their wealth and power. And two, I am always receptive to any piece of art that educates and continues to shed light on the atrocities and ugly history of that period. 

However, I do not believe Bridgerton is the show to depict that history lesson. Simply because the show exists in a reality that well…isn’t. Let me explain. Many argue that Bridgerton should not be applauded for its color-blind casting, as long it refuses to acknowledge, in-show, the realities of what was happening at the time. However, to acknowledge that reality would take the audience away from the fictional one the writers have created. 

Let’s be honest – Bridgerton is a soapy, romantic drama. Nothing more and nothing less. It’s a fun time for those who love historical romances and enjoy watching the pretty gowns, extravagant balls, and cliché romantic entanglements of two attractive leads. It’s escapism television. For eight hours, it invites the viewer into a beautiful, colorful, and sensuous world of lush scenery, good-looking characters, and all the twists, turns, and sex of any respectable soap opera. 

To ask that realism be brought into this world of fantasy and escapism is by its very context, a contradiction. Because once realism invades, then fantasy no longer exists. And then it’s no longer the same show. For example, if we suddenly have the characters within the show start discussing and acknowledging the horrific realities many black people faced at that time, we would then also have to question the believability of a black Duke existing. And of course, the most powerful woman in the whole country, being a black woman. 

Or perhaps if the characters start discussing the brutal colonization of India, then it would need to acknowledge the improbability of a dark-skinned woman marrying a white Viscount in Regency-Era England. In fact, introducing the realism of the ugly atrocities of people of color in that era would render the love stories of seasons 1 and 2 completely improbable. Because how many interracial marriages were really happening during this time period? There’s a reason most historical romances feature white lead characters. And in fact, Julia Quinn’s original books, the source material for the series, are one of those historical romances featuring white lead characters. 

The point is that the entire purpose of the choice to feature color-blind casting for Bridgerton is to ensure that the audience views this less as an accurate historical period drama and more as a fantastical adventure. One where race is irrelevant to love, passion, family, and community. A utopia of sorts, if you will. Is it highly improbable and saccharinely unrealistic – absolutely? But that’s what makes it so much fun. And don’t we all need a little fun, and unrealistic soapy goodness now and then? The real world, with all its weighty issues and darkness, will always be there when we need to “get back to reality.”

5 Essential Films, Albums and Books for Black History Month

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It’s February, which means it’s officially the start of Black History Month. Yes, every month should be Black History Month because we should always be learning and educating ourselves about history. However, because emphasis on said history is during February, I feel it’s only right that I acknowledge it with a specific post.

There is, understandably, a plethora of resources and literature on various black history topics, which means there is no way to make a definitive list. However, I wanted to share the films, music, and books that I believe all tell a significant aspect of black history. The following are the five essential films, albums, and books I think everyone should watch, listen to and read this month.

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Films

• The Color Purple – We all remember the catch-phrases and memorable moments. But at its core, The Color Purple is a celebration of the strength of black women and a tale of sisterhood – familial and other. Heartbreaking, heartwarming, and timeless, The Color Purple is a must-watch for everyone at least once in your lifetime.

• Malcolm X – For many years and generations, Malcolm X stood as a complex and complicated figure of the civil rights movement. Some viewed him as angry, too militant, while others considered him righteous and misunderstood. The film Malcolm X, adapted from Alex Haley’s equally brilliant The Autobiography of Malcolm X, finds Spike Lee at his directorial best, creating a formidable, yet nuanced film made all the better with one of the finest acting performances by Denzel Washington.

• Do the Right Thing – Another Spike Lee Joint, Do the Right Thing is particularly relevant right now in the wake of the Black Lives Matter protests that have swept the world. Set against the backdrop of a hot, sweltering Brooklyn summer day, the film tells the story of how one incident of racial injustice lights a match that helps bring to the forefront long-held racial tensions and animosities that had been simmering in the community. Not unlike the reaction to the murder of George Floyd.

• Hidden Figures – The erasure of black and brown people from the history books has been a long-standing point of discussion. And it is just one of the reasons this film is a must-see. The simple truth is not many knew the names Katherine Johnson, Dorothy Vaughn, and Mary Jackson concerning the first moon landing. And were it not for the work of Margot Lee Shetterly, the source material for the film, we may still not know about their legacy.

• BlacKKKlansman – A black police officer, in the 1970s, with the help of his Jewish partner, infiltrates the Ku Klux Klan. This probably sounds like the setup for a Dave Chappelle skit. Instead, it’s the very true story of Officer Ron Stallworth, as told in the film BlacKKlansman. Depicted with a biting wit and absurd humor, the film reminds us of the very frightening and disturbing history of the KKK and white supremacy in general, but more importantly, how the seeds that were previously sewn continues to exist today.

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Albums

• What’s Going On? by Marvin Gaye – Inspired by various acts of civil unrest at the time, Marvin Gaye’s What’s Going On stands the test of time as one the seminal social justice albums of the late 60’s – early 70s era. The album explored a range of social topics that sadly are all too prevalent today – police brutality, racial injustice, poverty and economic disparity, and more. What’s Going On is an excellent album for understanding what was happening across the U.S. during that era and what is, in many ways, still happening.

• Modern Sounds in Country and Western Music by Ray Charles – A black performer, in the 1960s, reworks classic songs written and previously performed by white artists and makes it his own. Flip the script on this – white artist performs songs written by black artists and it would have been just another day in the recording industry at that time. The former was unheard of. But it’s exactly what Ray Charles did. He made the sounds of country and western music his own and did it brilliantly while earning immense commercial and critical success.

• Legend by Bob Marley and The Wailers – The compilation of Bob Marley’s, along with The Wailers, greatest hits, Legend is truly a summation of the black man and woman’s story. Everything from slavery, colonialism, identity, self-love, national pride, and more. It is essential listening for everyone.

• The Miseducation of Lauryn Hill by Lauryn Hill – Was it a fluke, a flash in the pan, a case of shining too bright too fast? Whatever the case may be for why we never again received such a masterpiece from her, we are eternally grateful for the one she did create. Mixing R&B, Soul, Funk, Reggae, and fierce Rap flow, Hill delivered a powerful odyssey of the black woman’s story. Love, hurt, sex, motherhood, and sexuality all blended into one against a backdrop of finding one’s voice.

• I Never Loved a Man the Way I Love You by Aretha Franklin – The album that launched Ms. Franklin’s career into the stratosphere. Bold, brash, confident, and passionate, her voice soared as she sang about love, respect, social change, and more. The ultimate power of I Never Loved a Man… is the strength and confidence Aretha exuded for a time when women of color, in particular, were meant to or made to feel anything but small, weaker, and cowed.

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Books

1. The Fire Next Time by James Baldwin – Written in the format of two letters, The Fire Next Time is an intense exploration of race and racial identity, particularly for a black man in America. The first letter is Baldwin writing to his nephew on the 100^th anniversary of Emancipation and the second, is an examination of race and religion via the intersection of the black Christian church and the growing Islamic movement of the 60s. Both are told with stark and unapologetic honesty and grit that is a hallmark of much of Baldwin’s work.

• Roots: The Saga of an American Family by Alex Haley – We’ve probably all seen at least part of the epic 1977 television miniseries adaptation of the film. And it’s a worthy adaptation. However, you know what say, the book is usually better than the film, and it’s definitely worth giving this one a read. The story of Kunta Kinte, Roots help put a personal face to the history of millions of African American descendants of slavery.

• The New Jim Crow by Michelle Alexander – There’s an expression that’s used by many black people – “slavery’s not over, it’s just now called the prison system”. And this is the impetus of Alexander’s The New Jim Crow that meticulously and brilliantly traces the intersection of slavery, the Jim Crow era, mass incarceration of black men, and racism. This is an essential read for anyone trying to understand the core of the police reform movement, which is integral to the Black Lives Matter movement.

• The Black Woman, An Anthology by Toni Cade Bambara – Drawing on a collective of strong female voices, some of whom became groundbreaking successes in their own right, e.g. Alice Walker, The Black Woman is a collection of poems, essays, and short stories that explores a wide array of themes that affect black women in unique ways. Everything from race and body image, sex, politics, economic disparity, and more.

• A Promised Land by Barack Obama – Whether or not you are a fan of his policies or believe he could have and should have done more during his 8 years as the leader of the free world, what is undisputed, is that the former President holds a distinction no one else does. As the first black, and person of color in general, to hold the office of the President of the United States of America, Barack Obama’s journey is unique to that of any other former president. On one hand, he was theoretically at one point the most powerful man in the country and perhaps the world, and yet, on the other hand, he was still a black man in America, occupying a space that had thus far only been reserved for white people. And that alone makes his a fascinating story and one worth telling.

5 World Book Day Recommendations

It’s World Book Day and in honor of it, I’m recommending five books I believe you should consider reading or re-reading in some cases. Let’s face it, in our current crazy times, chances are even if it wasn’t World Book Day, you’d still be searching for your next read, just to have something to help pass the time. So going off the book category selections from my previous post, here are my five World Book Day selections.

1. Current Favorite – Where the Crawdads Sing by Delia Owens. The story of “the Marsh Girl”, aka Kya Clark – abandoned, mocked, bullied and abused, who manages to not just survive her harsh circumstances, but to thrive, Where the Crawdads Sing is a deeply emotional, sometimes heartbreaking tale of love, survival and the indomitable strength of the human spirit. And if you’re like me, who always loves a good mystery, there’s even a mysterious death, to keep things interesting.

 

2. Favorite Classic – Emma by Jane Austen. This is not my favorite classic novel but it ranks up there. And I know I’m probably supposed to say Pride & Prejudice or Sense & Sensibility when recommending an Austen novel but sorry, not sorry, neither of these two novels is as thoroughly delightful for me as Emma. I truly believe the latter is Austen’s most fun and entertaining work – romance, hijinks, misunderstandings, a cast of hilariously enjoyable characters, etc. What more can you want?

 

3. Favorite Childhood/Nostalgic – The Lion, The Witch and The Wardrobe by C.S. Lewis. I honestly cannot remember how old I was when I first read The Lion, The Witch and The Wardrobe. I just know that the story has stayed with me, having re-read it multiple times at various stages of my life, gaining some new perspective and understanding of it every time. Incredible world-building, wonderful characters, a compelling villain and battle between Good and Evil, rich and beautiful imagery, and just plain great writing.

 

4. Favorite Thriller/Mystery – Big Little Lies by Liane Moriarity. I know, you’ve probably seen the mini-series, which was excellent and very likely you’ve already read the book, if for nothing else because you enjoyed the mini-series that much. But what the hell, read it again because it’s just that good. While the mini-series was excellent, what I loved so much about the book that I felt was lacking a bit in the former, was the humor sprinkled throughout. The cast of various parents, friends, etc. acting as a Greek Chorus throughout the novel, added a certain light-heartedness and fun that kept the story from becoming too dark and depressing, despite the heavy subject matter.

 

5. Favorite Young Adult – All the Bright Places by Jennifer Niven. You’re never too old for a good young adult novel, period. Chances are you may have caught the recently released Netflix adaptation of this novel. While I thought all involved did a good job, this is one of those instances where you should definitely read the book. There was a level of emotional heartbreak, hopelessness, and pain in Niven’s writing, that simply could not truly be captured in the film. This one broke me in all the best ways a good book should.

Happy reading and happy World Book Day.