What to Watch on Netflix to Celebrate Black Achievement

Dr. Martin Luthor King Jr. once said, “a riot is the language of the unheard.” As we all know 2020 was an amazing year for Black voices to be heard and shared. Below are just some of those stories and voices that you may have missed on Netflix. Here’s our list of What to Watch on Netflix to Celebrate Black Achievement.

Films

Self Made (2020)

Based on the biography On Her Own Ground by A’Lelia Bundles, Self Made is a miniseries following the life of Madam C.J. Walker. Walker, played by Octavia Spencer, was the first American woman to become a self-made millionaire by marketing and selling hair products for Black women. She devoted the rest of her time to philanthropy and activism to help the Black community.

Ma Rainey’s Black Bottom (2020)

Set in 1927 Chicago, this drama follows influential blues singer, Ma Rainy, as she tries to complete a frustrating recording session with her band. This was Chadwick Boseman’s final movie to release after he passed away during post-production in 2020. Boseman plays the bands overconfident trumpet player named Levee Green.

Becoming (2020)

This documentary follows the former First Lady of the United States, Michelle Obama, travel across the country for her 34-city book tour. Becoming features the meaningful connections she made while on tour, talk show appearances, and the other work she had to do while she was the First Lady. Becoming was nominated for 4 Emmy Awards in 2020 and is also nominated for the upcoming 2021 Grammy Awards.

The Black Godfather (2019)

This documentary follows the life of Clarence Avant. He was a mentor to countless of America’s most successful Black men and women in music, film, TV, and politics. The Black Godfather features interviews with Sean ‘Diddy’ Combs, Jamie Foxx, Kamala Harris, Barack Obama, and many more.

Homecoming (2019)

This critically acclaimed documentary follows Beyoncé during her preparation and performance at the 2018 Coachella Valley Music and Arts Festival. Homecoming has a 98% approval rating on the review website Rotten Tomatoes and it has even been called one of the greatest concert films of all time by several publications. This is a must watch for any Beyoncé fan!

Disclosure (2020)

This inspiring documentary follows leading trans creatives as they describe their first hand experience with Hollywood’s impact on the trans community. Disclosure shows us the effect media has on North American culture regarding gender, sexual preference, race and more. This really isn’t one you want to miss out on! As of February 2021, it holds a 98% approval rating on the Rotten Tomatoes film review website.

13th (2016)

This documentary analyzes the criminalization of African Americans and the faulty United States Prison System. The title refers to the 13th Amendment which abolished slavery but still allowed servitude as an acceptable punishment for conviction of a crime. 13th was nominated for the Academy Award for Best Documentary at the 89th Academy Awards and won the Emmy Award for Outstanding Documentary at the 69th Primetime Emmy Awards.

Shows

#blackAF (2020)

This new sitcom is about Kenya Barris, played by himself, and his family, who are played by actors that resemble his real wife and children. The series follows their struggles as they try to navigate relationships, race and culture. Season 1 is available right now and Netflix recently renewed #blackAF for a second season which is currently in the making.

Kevin Hart’s Guide to Black History (2019)

In this fun and lighthearted series, Kevin Hart highlights Black history in his own way. Both comedic and educational, Kevin Hart’s Guide to Black History focuses on the unsung heroes of the past, instead of the common figures we learn about in school.

Dear White People (2017-2021)

Based on the 2014 film of the same name, Dear White People follows a group of Black college students attending a mostly White Ivy League School and focuses on race relations during the modern era. This comedy-drama was just renewed for its fourth and final season, set to release in 2021.

Stand-Up Comedy

Chris Rock: Total Blackout (2021)

Chris Rock’s last comedy special called Tamborine was released in 2018. Total Blackout is a brand new extended cut of that special with never before seen jokes. At a run time of 97 minutes, this one will have you laughing all night. Just make sure you put the kids to sleep first…

Kevin Hart: Zero F**ks Given (2020)

This comedy giant has 4 stand-up specials available on Netflix right now. His newest special, Zero F**ks Given, was filmed from his living room because of the COVID-19 pandemic. Hart talks about his life after 40 as well as what it was like when he caught COVID-19.

Tiffany Haddish: Black Mitzvah (2019)

Tiffany Haddish exploded in the stand-up comedy world after the release of her special titled, She ready. Since then, she’s starred in countless movies such as 2020’s Like a Boss with Salma Hayek. In her most recent stand-up special, Black Mitzvah, Haddish walks you through her long road to womanhood, in the raunchiest way possible.

Dave Chappelle: Sticks & Stones (2019)

After a 13-year hiatus, Dave Chappelle returned to stand-up comedy in 2017 with a Netflix Special. Since then, he’s released a total of 5 Netflix specials. His most recent, Sticks & Stones, is described as “a provocative perspective on the tidal wave of celebrity scandals, the opioid crisis, and more.” Chappelle also recently released a short special on his Instagram and YouTube called 8:46, where he talks about the murder of George Floyd.

Wanda Sykes: Not Normal (2019)

This comedy veteran holds nothing back in her newest Netflix stand-up special titled Not Normal. Sykes takes cynical to a whole new level as she talks about politics, reality TV and racism. After writing for The Chris Rock Show, Wanda Sykes was named one of the 25 funniest people in America by Entertainment Weekly in 2004. Her newest special proves she’s still got it.

Donald Glover: Weirdo (2012)

Most of us know Donald Glover as Childish Gambino. The artist who gave us amazing hits like “Redbone,” and “This Is America.” But Donald Glover doesn’t only have music under his belt. He started out his career doing sketch comedy and eventually earned his own stand-up special that is available on Netflix right now.

What to Watch on Netflix to Celebrate Black Achievement