Black History Month is more than a date on the calendar. The month is full of remembrance, culture, celebration and grieving for ancestors — it is a time to shine a light on underrepresented voices.
SDSU students and staff shared some of their favorite new and old Black movies to watch this February in a series of street interviews. No matter who you are, these SDSU community members encourage you to delve deep into these films and immerse yourself in a world of gorgeous filmmaking, enthralling soundtracks and the celebration of blackness.
“Coming to America” – 1988
Alexis Curtis, a fourth-year English major, knew exactly which movie she wanted to recommend for Black History Month.
“I didn’t watch too many of the older ones growing up. My dad was obsessed with ‘Coming to America,’ so I’ve seen that a million times and I think that it’s very popular within that older generation,” Curtis said.
Starring Eddie Murphy and directed by John Landis, “Coming to America” follows African Prince Akeem (Eddie Murphy), who goes to America to find his queen. Considered a romance and a comedy, this movie handles Blackness with poise and grace and is considered a cornerstone among older generations.
“It represents both Black Americans and Africans in that sense, and we don’t see that in too many Black American movies,” Curtis said.
B.A.P.S. – 1997
With Halle Berry as Nisi and Natalie Desselle as Mickey, these two waitresses travel to Los Angeles to pursue their dream: owning a hair salon with soul food dining. An action and comedy movie, “B.A.P.S.” is about more than just making your dreams come true — it’s about having faith and making long-lasting bonds with the people around you.
SDSU librarian Rayyon Robinson said “B.A.P.S.” was a film that personally stood out to them.
“It’s very funny, it’s iconic, it’s got Halle Berry in it,” Robinson said. “It’s a lighthearted movie. If you wanted to watch something that’s not too serious but enjoyable, you can watch it.”
Love & Basketball – 2000
Robinson listed “Love & Basketball” as another favorite.
“It’s a classic love story. You have two characters that grew up together; they share a love of basketball. But then, they each go their separate ways in terms of their basketball career,” Robinson said.
As one of the most popular romance comedies starring black actors and actresses, “Love & Basketball” takes you on a journey through two intertwined lives and how they can intersect, become disjointed or even forge a path for something new.
“There’s a lot of drama involved. It’s like a slow burn, a ‘will-they-won’t-they,’ so I think that’s why people really like it,” Robinson said.
The Wiz – 1978
Directed by Sidney Lumet, this reimagining of the children’s novel “The Wonderful Wizard of Oz” features an African American cast, including Diana Ross and Michael Jackson. Follow Dorothy from Harlem to Oz to Manhattan in this fun two-hour movie.
Alina Lewis, a second-year anthropology major, says she is a big fan of this movie, specifically for its cast.
“I love watching ‘The Wiz.’ I personally love musicals, but it feels so Black and ironically directed by a white person,” Lewis said. “I feel very close to the characters. I feel like it’s almost like family, especially at the beginning of the movie.”
These movies do more than entertain. They showcase different worlds, lives and experiences that can be difficult to explain. These movies emphasize the importance of representation and why it matters to uplift these voices.
Lewis said now is an important time to listen to the Black community as they express emotions about their lived experience.
“We know Black culture is American culture at the end of the day,” Lewis said. “So it’s very important for everybody to make sure that Black people are the center of [the month].”
