
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 Love tells 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+
Are you a member of our insiders squad? Join us in the xoTribe Members Community today!
Featured image by Shutterstock
'Sistas' Star Skyh Black On The Power Of Hypnotherapy & Emotional Vulnerability For Men
In this insightful episode of the xoMAN podcast, host Kiara Walker talked with Sistas star Skyh Black, as he opened up about his journey of emotional growth, resilience, and self-discovery. The episode touches on emotional availability, self-worth, masculinity, and the importance of therapy in overcoming personal struggles.
Skyh Black on Emotional Availability & Love
On Emotional Availability & Vulnerability
“My wife and I wouldn't be where we are today if both of us weren't emotionally available,” he shared about his wife and Sistas co-star KJ Smith, highlighting the value of vulnerability and emotional openness in a relationship. His approach to masculinity stands in contrast to the traditional, stoic ideals. Skyh is not afraid to embrace softness as part of his emotional expression.
On Overcoming Self-Doubt & Worthiness Issues
Skyh reflected on the self-doubt and worthiness issues that he struggled with, especially early in his career. He opens up about his time in Los Angeles, living what he calls the “LA struggle story”—in a one-bedroom with three roommates—and being homeless three times over the span of 16 years. “I always had this self-sabotaging thought process,” Skyh said. “For me, I feel therapy is essential, period. I have a regular therapist and I go to a hypnotherapist.”
How Therapy Helped Him Heal From Self-Doubt
On Hypnotherapy & Empowering Self-Acceptance
Skyh’s journey is a testament to the power of tapping into self-development despite life’s struggles and being open to growth. “I had to submit to the fact that God was doing good in my life, and that I'm worthy of it. I had a worthiness issue and I did not realize that. So, that’s what the hypnotherapy did. It brought me back to the core. What is wrong so that I can fix it?”
Watch the full podcast episode below:
Let’s make things inbox official! Sign up for the xoNecole newsletter for love, wellness, career, and exclusive content delivered straight to your inbox.
Featured image by
Pack A Travel Case With These 12 Items For Amazing 'Summer Vacation Sex'
It’s kind of funny that while I’m literally in the process of writing this article, the Los Angeles Times published “How to get lucky on your family vacation” hours prior. LOL. Although this year marks a bit of a dip in the amount of Americans who plan on taking a summer vacation (because this administration ain’t making coin-keeping easy, y’all) — it’s still being reported that around 53 percent will do so in the name of rest, relaxation and spending quality time with their loved ones.
And for many, the loved ones category absolutely includes their bae. And if that is the case, that probably means that sex is somewhere on the menu.
Yep. I actually read one survey (that consisted of 2,000 people) that said folks tend to have twice as much sex while they are on vacation than they do when they’re at home. It makes sense too when you factor in that you have less to do (unless you’re traveling with those folks who act like you need an itinerary for every damn thing — and we all know one…SMDH), which makes you less stressed out, which makes it easier to feel sexy and to want to get sexual.
And so, in the spirit of that indeed being the case, I want to make sure that you carve out a corner of your suitcase or carry-on to include at least half of the following 12 things that are on this list — things that can help to make “summer vacation sex”…that much hotter, y’all.
1. Edible-Grade Sunscreen
It can’t be said enough that, no matter how melanated you may be, your skin needs sunscreen. Not only to protect yourself from the risk of skin cancer (which 1 in 5 Americans will get in their lifetime) but from premature aging that can come from sun damage too. That said, if the urge arises to have sex outside somewhere, I did find some edible-grade sunscreen, in case you’re either worried about what sex in the sun will do to your skin or how all of the chemicals in sunscreen will affect your (digestive) system. The company is called Sky & Sol and you can read up on them here.
2. Flavored Lip Balm
If you’ve ever wondered why your lips are so susceptible to being chapped, it’s because they don’t contain any oil glans to keep them moisturized. This is especially important to keep in mind when the weather is extremely cold or hot because that can do a real number on the sensitive skin that your lips are made out of. That’s why it’s essential to stay well-hydrated and to also keep some lip balm in tow. Lip balm is especially designed to moisturize your lips, reduce chapping, exfoliate, soothe irritation and protect your lips from UV damage. As a bonus, lip balm will also help to keep your lips super soft and kissable; especially if you get the flavored kind. #wink
3. Condoms
I’m still out here, literally shaking my damn head, that reportedly, only one-third of men and one-fourth of women use condoms (and even many of those folks don’t do it consistently). It can’t be said enough that if you’re not in a monogamous (married) or exclusive (dating) relationship where you both are getting regularly tested and are on some other form of birth control (unless you want to get pregnant) — you absolutely should be using condoms and, as a woman, you should not solely rely on your partner to have some that are ready and available.
Not just because you should be responsible for your body and health but because not all condoms are made equal, so you should bring along some that you prefer/enjoy. If you’d like a lil’ help picking those out, check out “These Are The Kinds Of Condoms Your Vagina Would Actually Prefer.”
4. Crotchless Swimsuit
Packing some sexy lingerie? I certainly hope that goes without saying. If you’ve got a hot tub around, though and you want to “get it in” without getting totally naked (so that nosey people won’t see every damn thing), you do know that there are some crotchless swimsuits out in these streets, right? An example of one is here. Of course, you can always do what Beyoncé said in “Drunk in Love” and just move ish over to the side but…I’m just giving you another creative option…if you wanted one.
5. Blindfolds
If you’d like to cultivate an atmosphere of mystery or anticipation, a simple blindfold will do the trick. There is another reason why I think they are great for summer vacation (sex) trips, though — if your hotel room doesn’t come with blackout curtains and you want to have a quickie or two without the room being so bright, putting on a blindfold can solve that “problem” too.
6. Waterproof Sex Toys
Who said that you have to wait until you get to your hotel room to engage in some foreplay? If you bring a couple of sex toys around, you can tease each other practically anywhere — and if they are waterproof, that includes in the ocean or pool. Some, you can pair up with your smartphone in order to stimulate your partner from just about anywhere. Whew, chile.
7. Homemade Sex Toys Too
Speaking of sex toys, you’d probably be amazed at how many things in your house can double up as one. A spatula or wooden spoon is great for spanking. A necktie, some tights and a pair of clothespins work well for BDSM (use your imagination, sis). An electronic toothbrush is its own vibrator. A string of (lubricated) pearls in between your thighs? Girrrl…GIRL. Oh, and cop a silicone ice tray that comes in different shapes.
When you are rubbing ice in the shape of fruit, flowers or even animals over each other’s bodies, you’ll be surprised by how the combination of the cold with the texture of the space of the ice will stimulate you (make the ice out of juice instead of water for an extra sweet treat!).
8. Portable Charger
I don’t know what took me so long to get a damn portable charger but it’s one of the best things that ever happened to me. What I personally purchased is the ANKER Zolo Power Bank, 20,000mAh 30W High-Speed Portable Charger. I can throw it in my purse, it charges fast, I can use more than once before needing to recharge it; plus, it complements most devices. A great thing to keep in mind, so that your sex toys don’t end up going out on you while you’re…wherever you are.
9. Massage Oil Candle
Going through security at the airport can be a HEADACHE. And while, how long it can take, oftentimes varies on the airport you’re at and the time you are traveling (you can read more about that here), the process is going to be especially annoying if they have to go through your bags. Since you can currently only pack a quarter-sized bag of liquid products on your carry-on, my two cents would be to leave the massage oil at home and pack a massage oil candle instead.
That way, you can still engage in some temperature play (check out “Hot Sex: 10 Super Sultry Reasons To Bring Wax Play Into Your Bedroom”) while you’re on the road without going through any security hassle hang-ups. Some edible massage oil candles are located right here.
10. Wine Cooler Sleeve
Say that you end up going on a wine tasting tour while you’re on vacation and you end up purchasing a bottle or you simply want to toast with some champagne but you’re not sure how to store the bottle. Did you know that there are wine cooler sleeves that are lightweight, portable and will help to keep your bottles cold without condensation for hours on end? A brand that comes highly recommended is here.
11. Rose Petals
I think there are a few reasons why rose petals are oftentimes used to create a sexy mood. Red symbolizes love and passion. Rose petals are soft to the touch. The scent of them is considered to be an aphrodisiac as well. For all of these reasons, bring along some fresh rose petals for your hotel bed. If you put a damp paper towel in something like a small Tupperware container and then place the rose petals inside of that, they won’t dry out quickly which will make them feel great once you’re ready to start rolling around in them (you can also keep them in your hotel room’s fridge to further extend their shelf life).
12. Mints
Morning sex. Outdoor sex. Whatever kind of sex — it’s always going to be better when your breath and his smell good. And just so you don’t have to lug around a big bottle of mouthwash, pack some mints. Altoids are always going to be my number one draft pick — yet go with whatever are your personal faves. They’re the perfect hack for unbelievable summer vacation sex. Wouldn’t you agree? Enjoy!
Let’s make things inbox official! Sign up for the xoNecole newsletter for love, wellness, career, and exclusive content delivered straight to your inbox.
Featured image by Giphy