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.
Devale Ellis On Being A Provider, Marriage Growth & Redefining Fatherhood
In this candid episode of the xoMAN podcast, host Kiara Walker talked with Devale Ellis, actor, social media personality, and star of Zatima, about modern masculinity, learning to be a better husband, emotional presence in marriage, fatherhood for Black men, and leading by example.
“I Wasn’t Present Emotionally”: Devale Ellis on Marriage Growth
Devale Ellis On Learning He Was a ‘Bad Husband’
Ellis grew up believing that a man should prioritize providing for his family. “I know this may come off as misogynistic, but I feel like it’s my responsibility as a man to pay for everything,” he said, emphasizing the wise guidance passed down by his father. However, five years into his marriage to long-time partner Khadeen Ellis, he realized provision wasn’t just financial.
“I was a bad husband because I wasn’t present emotionally… I wasn’t concerned about what she needed outside of the resources.”
Once he shifted his mindset, his marriage improved. “In me trying to be of service to her, I learned that me being of service created a woman who is now willing to be of service to me.”
On Redefining Masculinity and Fatherhood
For Ellis, “being a man is about being consistent.” As a father of four, he sees parenthood as a chance to reshape the future.
“Children give you another chance at life. I have four different opportunities right now to do my life all over again.”
He also works to uplift young Black men, reinforcing their worth in a world that often undermines them. His values extend to his career—Ellis refuses to play roles that involve domestic violence or sexual assault.
Watch the full episode below:
On Marriage, Family Planning, and Writing His Story
After his wife’s postpartum preeclampsia, Ellis chose a vasectomy over her taking hormonal birth control, further proving his commitment to their partnership. He and Khadeen share their journey in We Over Me, and his next book, Raising Kings: How Fatherhood Saved Me From Myself, is on the way.
Through honesty and growth, Devale Ellis challenges traditional ideas of masculinity, making his story one that resonates deeply with millennial women.
For the xoMAN podcast, host Kiara Walker peels back the layers of masculinity with candid conversations that challenge stereotypes and celebrate vulnerability. Real men. Real stories. Real talk.
Want more real talk from xoMAN? Catch the full audio episodes every Tuesday on Spotify and Apple Podcasts, and don’t miss the full video drops every Wednesday on YouTube. Hit follow, subscribe, and stay tapped in.
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6 Tabletop Sex Positions That'll Unlock You & Bae's Most Primal Desires
Something I will never tire of is finding new ways to bring new layers to intimacy. A wall you use as momentum, a bathroom sink to help you keep your balance as he worships you on his knees, a shower that is usually for cleansing but evolves into a sacred ritual of shared intimacy.
My favorite kind of sex is the kind of sex that prioritizes pleasure and connection. So, technically and thankfully, I can say most of my sex life has been quite pleasurable throughout the years. But the memorable encounters for sure take the cake. One such encounter actually took place on a kitchen counter, and with it unleashed inhibitions in ways I never anticipated while unlocking levels to top-tier sex. And that, that involved a kitchen counter.
Why Kitchen Counter Sex Just Hits Different
What is it about having your hips pressed into the edge of a kitchen counter that lets out something so primal in you? The cool-to-the-touch feel of the countertop against exposed skin as you rise to meet him again and again. The urgency in every movement. The playfulness of repurposing an everyday space for something far more erotic. If you’re looking to bring that energy into your own sex life, keep reading for positions and tips to explore.
1. The Bounce House
They don’t call it Bounce House for nothing. In this position, the penetrating partner lies flat on their back on a sturdy table or counter while the receiving partner straddles them, knees bent and facing away. With their hands gripping the edge of the surface for support, the receiving partner slides or bounces at their own pace, owning the rhythm, the motion, and the view.
According to sex therapist Michael Aaron, Ph.D., who spoke with Women’s Health, the receiving partner placing their legs between their partner’s creates a tighter sensation, while staying fully astride allows for more bounce and range of motion. Either way, this one puts the receiver in full control, and you know we love a good woman on top position. Pleasure and power? Say less.
2. The Bicycle
Well, you know what they say about riding a bike. In the case of this table top position, it's the receiving partner who is the rider...but not in the way you think. While lying back on a sturdy surface or a table, the receiver will bring their knees toward their chest, bending them as if in a cycling motion. The penetrating partner stands at the edge of the surface, grabbing the receiver's ankles, and guides themselves inside, slowly so as to savor the moment. This angle puts everything on display for the penetrating partner while allowing for deep, connected thrusting for the receiver.
To take things up a notch , the receiving partner can touch themselves or flex their thighs to control the depth or the rhythm. Because, who says only one person gets to have control?
3. Counter Offer
How could we be at the table and not use it to eat? Enter: Counter Offer. In this oral-focused sex position, the receiving partner perches on the edge of a counter or table, lying back or sitting upright with legs parted or bent for comfort. The penetrating partner kneels or stands between their thighs, depending on the setup and the kind of attention they’re ready to give. No doubt, this one’s all about access and intention.
With the vulva front and center, the height makes it easier to maintain eye contact, use hands freely for things like breast play or incorporating toys, and take their time with every moan-inducing taste. And that’s on five, six, seven, ATE.
4. Standing Doggy
Standing Doggy is what happens when a classic like doggy style gets an upgrade. Instead of being on all fours on a bed, the receiving partner bends over a hard surface like a table or counter, keeping their hips aligned at its edge. The penetrating partner stands behind and enters from the back, using the angle to go deeper and create a strong, steady rhythm. This one offers maximum control and visual appeal, especially if the penetrating partner reaches around for a little extra clitoral stimulation throughout thrusting.
This angle can get intense quickly, so bonus points if the receiving partner engages their pelvic floor muscles or shifts their weight to adjust how the pressure hits, especially if your goal is to hit that G-spot sweet spot.
5. Top Shelf
Men's Healthcalls this one "Yourself on the Shelf," but we like to call it "Top Shelf" because it's giving full view, full grip, and climax potential that's hard to top. The receiving partner sits on the edge of a sturdy table or counter while the penetrating partner stands in front of them and slowly slides in, thrusting while keeping them in position. From there, legs can wrap around their waist, arms can encircle their back, and the closeness at peak ecstasy? Chef's kiss.
If you have the core strength, add lifting to the menu for the final strokes leading to orgasm. Otherwise, allow the surface to the heavy lifting and enjoy the pleasure.
6. The Thumper
What better way to remind yourself that you're both the snack and the entrée than with a little tableside service courtesy of The Thumper? This position has the receiving partner kneeling on a sturdy table or counter (keyword: sturdy), hands gripping the edge or braced in front for support. The penetrating partner can then either kneel behind them (if there's room for two), or stay anchored on the ground with both feet planted on the floor (similar to the previously mentioned Standing Doggy). It all depends on the mood.
Kneeling on the table offers just the right amount of leverage for deep, steady strokes. The receiving partner can play with tightness by either keeping their knees closer together for a snug grip, or open their knees wider to invite more access, depth, and stretch. The Thumper is versatile that way, and the most important thing? The receiver gets to be the main course. Yum.
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