

15 Culturally Relevant Movies To Watch During Black History Month
I think it's pretty fair to say that we are living in times, likely for the first time in history, where the culture is controlling the narrative of how TF we expect to be represented...that is, if you don't want smoke, of course. After all, we drive pop culture, we make everything relevant, and basically the world would be lost if we ever decided to put up gatekeepers around our blackness (let's work on this btw). Music, television, and most of all, movies, are creative expression for us. And fortunately somewhere along the lines, they're even intersecting (see: Beyonce).
But here's the thing: for so long, our creative expression wasn't FUBU. It was all a facade, all based on Hollywood derivatives where, although these were very important stories to be told, like...we've told that story. We've been there, done that.
Oooo. A slave. A maid. A gangbanger. Shocker.
But listen, we. want. more. We want the fairy tales. We want to know what kind of family man Fred Hampton was. We want our kids to see themselves in superheroes, or to see that there is an absolute sheer brilliance in understanding how to professionally play a sport. We want to be the victor in a scenario that we control, and damnit, we are tired of seeing the black dude be the one who dies first! So, let's skip our historic trauma for this one. Here's 15 culturally relevant movies to watch during Black History Month (that have nothing to do with racism):
Disclaimer: unfortunately, the honest truth is that Black history is rooted in racism, no matter how much we don't want it to be. So, although these movies may have moments in them where racial themes are touched upon, these movies are not about race.
Jingle Jangle: A Christmas Journey
Jingle Jangle: A Christmas Journey is the refreshing movie about a black Christmas, and a black family. It's a Christmas journey, complete with singing, dancing, positive themes, and even Afrobeats. It offers such fantasy in the most amazing way. I was so overwhelmed by what this movie meant for the culture, that by the end, the emotions were flowing. Excited to see this one on Broadway in the future.
Where to watch: Netflix
Cooley High
Cooley High is a staple. It's about being young in Chicago in the 70's, and the adversity they face. You find yourself super attached to the characters, hoping they don't fall victim to our challenges.
As the queen Lauryn Hill once beautifully said, "Cause we fortified, I could never hide, seen Cooley High,
Cried when Cochise..." #teamnospoilers
If you haven't seen this one yet, go, go, go.
Where to watch: YouTube
Why Do Fools Fall In Love
Why Do Fools Fall In Love is one of the first movies that tells the complicated life story of young legend, Frankie Lymon. Played to the MAX by the amazing Larenz Tate, it's set in the 1950's, a time when the ongoing race war was at its usual level of intensity. But this movie is nothing about racism. With a brilliant cast that consists of Lela Rachon, Vivica A. Fox, and Halle Berry, this dramedy is worth every minute.
Where to watch: Amazon Prime Video
Sylvie's Love
Sylvie's Lovetells the story of love and soulmates in an era where Hollywood tends to focus on the usual. It's one of the first of its kind introduced to this generation. It's our version of The Notebook, our period piece on love. And the acting is beautifully done by Tessa Thompson, Nnamdi Asomugha, and Aja Naomi King.
Where to watch: Amazon Prime Video
Dreamgirls
Dreamgirls tells the story of Deena (Beyonce), Effie (Jennifer Hudson) and Lorell (Anika Noni Rose), who were recruited by Curtis Taylor (Jamie Foxx) to be background singers for a famous entertainer (Eddie Murphy). As the group becomes popular, one star is pushed to the front, forcing another one out. The cast is brilliant, the acting is brilliant. The story is (allegedly) about a very popular group in Motown, *cough* The Supremes *cough* and their record label exec *cough* Berry Gordy *cough*, but whether based on a true story or not, the history of this movie, play, and more, was brought to life on the big screen as a must-see.
Where to watch: Amazon Prime Video
DOPE
Dope is about a good kid (Shameik Moore) with aspirations of Harvard, that gets caught up in an eventful day, as it showcases how easily one little decision can make you a criminal, despite your extremely high expectations for yourself. The music is dope (pun intended), the wardrobe and acting are bomb. Just an all-around good movie. Give it a watch.
Where to watch: Amazon Prime Video
House Party
Not much more can be said about this cult classic, we already know that it's a cultural must-see. But House Party, originally released in 1990, still rings true to this day *hits Kid 'n Play dance*
Throw this one on. For the culture.
Where to watch: Amazon Prime Video
She's Gotta Have It (1986)
Nola Darling! She's Gotta Have It is a black-and-white comedy-drama film written, produced, edited and directed by Spike Lee. It's the original that the recent Netflix reboot is based on. The lead, Nola (Tracy Camilla Johns) can't decide what kind of man (or woman) she wants to date, so she decides to date three at the same time. She's sexually liberated, she knows herself...or does she?
Where to watch: Netflix
Crooklyn
And speaking of Spike Lee, another classic is none other than Crooklyn! An amazing movie that doesn't have a major storyline, or a lot of car-flipping action. It's just a Brooklyn family in the '70's, making it the best way they know how. There's so many gems throughout, and the soundtrack is what you need in your life.
Where to watch: Hulu
Cinderella (1997)
Brandy Norwood and Whitney Houston as the first black Disney characters.
That's it. That's the sentence.
Where to watch: Coming the Disney+ (finally) on February 12!
Dolemite Is My Name
OK, hear me out: Rudy Ray Moore is responsible for every single one of your favorite comedians' careers. He is a pioneer in this, which is why his 2019 biopic starring Eddie Murphy is so important to the culture. Dolemite is a reboot (somewhat) but it tells the journey of the brash, vulgar stand-up humorist--from his humble start, all the way to directing, producing, and promoting his own movies. This one got some buzz in Hollywood's award circuit, even earning Golden Globe and Oscar nominations.
Where to watch: Netflix
20 Feet from Stardom
So this movie may be unexpected, but here's why it's here: so many women in the industry, have a story to tell. This one specifically hands the mic to black women to detail their journeys of singing behind some of the biggest names in music. A few of the ladies profiled in 20 Feet from Stardom eventually emerged as artists, but their process was anything but easy. Triumph is a major theme for this Oscar-winning docu-movie. Oh, and a few of the stories will push your wig back.
Where to watch: Amazon Prime Video
Coming To America
I don't think I need to explain the cultural relevance of this one. I'll just go watch instead.
Where to watch: Amazon Prime Video
Da 5 Bloods
Da 5 Bloods is a movie, m'kay!? It's about five Vietnam War vets who come back together in Vietnam for the first time since, to take care of the unfinished business of seeking the remains of their fallen squad leader and the gold fortune he helped them hide. It stars Delroy Lindo, Jonathan Majors, Clarke Peters, Norm Lewis, and of course, Chadwick Boseman. It's refreshing, it's quirky--it's every emotion--but ultimately, it's a story never told before. And that's why it's relevant.
Where to watch: Netflix
And of course...Black Panther
And speaking of Chadwick, the ultimate culturally relevant movie is definitely this one. The impact of Black Panther is immeasurable, and the visuals matches the impacts fly. It's identifying with T'Challa AND Killmonger, and, to be frank, white people not really understanding why. Forever thankful for Ryan Coogler's vision.
Where to watch: Disney+
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Charmin Michelle is a southern native and creative spirit who works as a content marketer and events manager in Chicago. She enjoys traveling, #SummertimeChi, and the journey of mastering womanhood. Connect with her on Instagram @charminmichelle.
Smile, Sis! These Five Improvements Can Upgrade Your Oral Hygiene Instantly
This article is in partnership with Sensodyne.
Our teeth are connected to so many things - our nutrition, our confidence, and our overall mood. We often take for granted how important healthy teeth are, until issues like tooth sensitivity or gum recession come to remind us. Like most things related to our bodies, prevention is the best medicine. Here are five things you can do immediately to improve your oral hygiene, prevent tooth sensitivity, and avoid dental issues down the road.
1) Go Easy On the Rough Brushing: Brushing your teeth is and always will be priority number one in the oral hygiene department. No surprises there! However, there is such a thing as applying too much pressure when brushing…and that can lead to problems over time. Use a toothbrush with soft bristles and brush in smooth, circular motions. It may seem counterintuitive, but a gentle approach to brushing is the most effective way to clean those pearly whites without wearing away enamel and exposing sensitive areas of the teeth.
2) Use A Desensitizing Toothpaste: As everyone knows, mouth pain can be highly uncomfortable; but tooth sensitivity is a whole different beast. Hot weather favorites like ice cream and popsicles have the ability to trigger tooth sensitivity, which might make you want to stay away from icy foods altogether. But as always, prevention is the best medicine here. Switching to a toothpaste like Sensodyne’s Sensitivity & Gum toothpaste specifically designed for sensitive teeth will help build a protective layer over sensitive areas of the tooth. Over time, those sharp sensations that occur with extremely cold foods will subside, and you’ll be back to treating yourself to your icy faves like this one!
3) Floss, Rinse, Brush. (And In That Order!): Have you ever heard the saying, “It’s not what you do, but how you do it”? Well, the same thing applies to taking care of your teeth. Even if you are flossing and brushing religiously, you could be missing out on some of the benefits simply because you aren’t doing so in the right order. Flossing is best to do before brushing because it removes food particles and plaque from places your toothbrush can’t reach. After a proper flossing sesh, it is important to rinse out your mouth with water after. Finally, you can whip out your toothbrush and get to brushing. Though many of us commonly rinse with water after brushing to remove excess toothpaste, it may not be the best thing for our teeth. That’s because fluoride, the active ingredient in toothpaste that protects your enamel, works best when it gets to sit on the teeth and continue working its magic. Rinsing with water after brushing doesn’t let the toothpaste go to work like it really can. Changing up your order may take some getting used to, but over time, you’ll see the difference.
4) Stay Hydrated: Upping your water supply is a no-fail way to level up your health overall, and your teeth are no exception to this rule. Drinking water not only helps maintain a healthy pH balance in your mouth, but it also washes away residue and acids that can cause enamel erosion. It also helps you steer clear of dry mouth, which is a gateway to bad breath. And who needs that?
5) Show Your Gums Some Love: When it comes to improving your smile, you may be laser-focused on getting your teeth whiter, straighter, and overall healthier. Rightfully so, as these are all attributes of a megawatt smile; but you certainly don’t want to leave gum health out of the equation. If you neglect your gums, you’ll start to notice the effects of plaque buildup, which can irritate the gums and cause gingivitis, the earliest stage of gum disease. Seeing blood while brushing and flossing is a tell-tale sign that your gums are suffering. You may also experience gum recession — a condition where the gum tissue surrounding your teeth pulls back, exposing more of your tooth. Brushing at least twice a day with a gum-protecting toothpaste like Sensodyne Sensitivity and Gum, coupled with regular dentist visits, will keep your gums shining as bright as those pearly whites.
The Libra woman and Aries man are the divine feminine and divine masculine, coming together as one. The love compatibility between these two is one for the books. These two are opposite signs, however, their differences tend to complement each other well. This is a dynamic relationship where they know how to have a lot of fun together, but also aren’t afraid to deal with the more serious stuff that comes with a relationship.
The Libra woman is looking for her equal in love, someone who is willing to put in the same effort she is, and the Aries man sees Libra as someone he is willing to do that with.
The Love Compatibility Of A Libra Woman And An Aries Man
What attracts a Libra woman and an Aries man to each other?
There is a magnet of attraction pulling these two together, and things tend to move pretty fast in this relationship. The Libra woman is always open to love and her charming nature rarely has any challenges here. The Aries man fights for his independence and doesn’t sacrifice that unless he is completely enamored with someone.
Once the Aries man catches the eye of the Libra woman, he is typically the one to make the first move and this instantly wins the approval of Libra.
These two feel like they have known each other forever when they meet, and this spark between them doesn’t die down easily.
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What is the relationship like between a Libra woman and an Aries man?
The relationship between the Libra woman and the Aries man is one of balance and excitement. The Aries man tends to take on the more dominant role in this relationship and the Libra woman tends to be the more receptive one. Aries is ruled by masculine Mars, and Libra is ruled by feminine Venus. They understand they are coming from two completely different worlds, yet they also instinctively feel this underlying connection to each other and like they could be something each other needs in their lives.
The Libra woman can rely on the Aries man, and the Aries man never has to ask for the love that Libra already knows he needs.
This is a couple that is often reading each other’s minds and wanting to do a lot of the same things. However, not everything is rainbow in this relationship as well, and there are some major differences they have to overcome to make things work. One argument can lead to an explosion between these two, and addressing things when they come up rather than sweeping them under the rug, will be needed to make this relationship long-term.
What is the sex like between a Libra woman and an Aries man?
The sex between a Libra woman and an Aries man is adventurous. These are two cardinal signs with plenty of energy and stamina to keep things exciting in the bedroom. There tends to be a good give and take in this relationship, and their yin and yang energy benefits them when it comes to their sex life.
There is electricity felt between the two of them in this area of their life, and their power of attraction to each other is strong. These are two people who will want to do a lot of things together, including exploring sexually together.
The Aries man will have to be careful with being overly aggressive, however, as the soft Libra woman may not like this energy- it will completely depend on the two individuals at hand. The Libra woman wants to ease into things, the Aries man wants to get going right away. Learning about each other's bodies, and energy, and reading each other’s cues will help with this.
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What makes a relationship between a Libra woman and an Aries man work?
These two genuinely like each other, and that basis is a key factor for success in any relationship. The Aries man is straight to the point, direct, and inspired. The Libra woman admires these characteristics in others, as she is often herself finding her balance in this type of energy as well. Neither sign is overly emotional in a way that turns them off, and they both require a lot of the same things in a committed relationship. They want honesty, fun, good communication, passion, and to be moving towards a common goal together.
The Libra woman and Aries man don’t have a problem being real with each other and this is something they really value within the relationship. They are both very charming, and there is plenty of flirtation and attraction to keep this relationship going. Aries being the protector they are, Libra finds a sense of safety and ease in this energy, and like they have found their match. Overall, this is a well-balanced relationship and one where they don’t have a problem when it comes to compatibility or chemistry in the relationship.
What may cause a Libra woman and an Aries man to break up?
Libra is the lover, Aries is the fighter, and this energy may be tiring for the both of them after time. The Libra woman can be passive to a fault, and the Aries man who is not evolved, may take advantage of that. She will need to be careful with putting Aries’ needs above her own, creating resentment later down the road. The Aries man loves a challenge, and the Libra woman would be up for that game for a little bit, but if she is not being met in the middle, she will begin to look for other places. These two can have a difficult time keeping the peace in the relationship, and there could be a lot of arguments and disagreements here if they both aren’t willing to put their egos or self-pleasing attitudes to the side.
The Libra woman and Aries man are both more sensitive than they appear or come off as. They are also not necessarily the type to dive deep into their emotions and express them to others, even in their relationships. However, this energy can keep the relationship to a surface level than what is needed to progress and grow the relationship, and a sense of openness is required for this couple to work. Libra needs romance, she wants to be wowed. Aries needs to remember this and to always consider her love language.
Summary
Overall, this is a successful pairing. They will have their fair share of challenges in the relationship, but nothing they can’t overcome if they are willing to. The trouble will come in when it comes to the longevity of the relationship, keeping Aries excited and Libra in love. However, all in all, there is more power, attraction, and love to keep this relationship together rather than apart. No relationship is perfect, but this one is a little more blessed than most.
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