When I was growing up, there were very few people on the big screen who looked like me – not that I necessarily noticed; but looking back, I can ascertain that it was a reality. I’m grateful that times have changed, and my daughters get to enjoy interesting movies with all sorts of remarkable characters including some who share their same ethnic background. I thought it would be meaningful to make an acknowledgement post during Black History Month, and, although the month is celebrated in various ways by different people, let’s have fun with it and discuss some good movies starring black actors! Here are 13 of our faves that you can (probably) watch with your entire family:
Hidden Figures (2016): An incredible true story about three women at NASA who were instrumental in one of history’s greatest operations – the launch of astronaut John Glenn into orbit. Of the list here, this upbeat and inspiring movie is my personal favorite. If you're in need of a feel-good movie with a bit of sass, a lot of intellect, and some tender moments, watch this one.
Black Panther (2018): If you enjoy action-packed superhero movies, this one’s for you! When young King T'Challa is drawn into conflict with an old foe that puts his homeland Wakanda and the entire world at risk, he must release Black Panther's full power to save them.
The Princess and the Frog (2009): An animated Disney fairy tale of a girl named Tiana who becomes a princess. Expect to see voodoo scenes, catchy (but not necessarily memorable) songs, stereotypical characters, and swamp life in this film set in New Orleans. If your little one enjoys Disney princess movies, she might like this one, though be warned that some of the scenes might be scary for children under 5.
Queen of Katwe (2016): A Ugandan girl’s life changes forever when she discovers she has an amazing talent for chess in this celebration of the human spirit. The characters are authentic, and the movie depicts a colorful, engaging picture of life in the slums. Chess-plays will delight in this feel-good film!
Spider-Man: Into the SpiderVerse (2018): “Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse” introduces Brooklyn teen Miles Morales, and the limitless possibilities of the Spider-Verse, where more than one can wear the mask. This upbeat movie appeals to a broad audience, whether you’re a superhero / comic book fan or not!
Akeelah and the Bee (2006): A bright but unmotivated 11-year-old girl from South Los Angeles is encouraged to compete in the National Spelling Bee competition. You'll appreciate this movie's original storyline, and your kiddos might be inspired to enter next year's spelling bee! 
Annie (2014): Quvenzhané Wallis stars as Annie, a happy foster kid who's also tough enough to make her way on the streets of New York. Think of this as an urban version of the original Annie with fresh beats, new songs, and a reworked storyline.
Soul (2020): In this animated movie, a jazz pianist who has a near-death experience get stuck in the afterlife, contemplating his choices and regretting the existence that he mostly took for granted.
The Boy Who Harnessed the Wind (2019): A 13-year-old boy is thrown out of the school he loves when his family can no longer afford the fees. He sneaks into the library and learns how to build a windmill to save his village from a famine. Your family might also enjoy reading the novel and/or the junior novel and also watching the TED Talks related to this true story. 
Remember the Titans (2000): True story of a newly integrated high school football team.
A Wrinkle in Time (2018): In Disney's A Wrinkle In Time, three mystical guides lead Meg on an epic journey, tessering through time and space to find her father, following his mysterious disappearance. I watched this movie on and off while the rest of my family paid attention to it. What I saw looked a bit weird for my sensibilities, but family members enjoyed it. Give it a try!
Daddy Day Care (2003): A father finds himself unemployed and decides to turn his home into a day care. Lots of laughs in this one!
The Pursuit of Happyness (2006): Will Smith stars in this moving tale inspired by the true story about a struggling single father who dreams of a better life for his young son. Finding themselves homeless, he risks everything by embarking on an unpaid internship in a highly competitive stockbroker training program where only one in twenty interns make the grade. Your teenager might enjoy and could possibly be inspired by this movie. I certainly was!
