There is no one Black experience that can encapsulate what it means to be Black. That is why Hollywood’s (albeit slow) revelation to usher in new films and series directed, written, and portrayed by Black people is all the more important. And it just so happens that Netflix has cultivated a pretty decent collection when it comes to celebrating those stories, from the adaptation of a former First Lady’s memoir to a immersive dive into 1927 Chicago.These films touch on some of the worst issues that plague America today and always—systemic racism, police brutality, implicit bias. But these stories don’t exist to simply teach a lesson. They are the encapsulations of joy and sadness, progress and frustration. They represent a giant group of people whose stories have been consistently side-lined or completely erased throughout history. Below is only a smattering of the best films Netflix have to offer. Celebrate those stories. Da 5 Bloods Spike Lee’s Da 5 Bloods tells the story of four Black soldiers who served in Vietnam, who have returned to the country to find the remains of a fellow soldier they hope to finally lay to rest. Not only is it an oft-overlooked narrative in war epics, but it also features incredible performances from Delroy Lindo and the late Chadwick Boseman.Watch Now Ma Rainey’s Black Bottom Denzel Washington knew what he was doing when he tapped into August Wilson’s playbook for Fences. In this, he serves as producer, while Viola Davis ascends to the lead role… Click below to read the full story from Esquire
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The Essential Movies and Series on Netflix That Examine Systemic Racism in America
