“Sinners” 

I remember the first time my mom and I agreed on a movie for our monthly mother-daughter night. I like horror and gothic movies, while my mom likes romance and drama. But we settled on “Sinners.”

“Sinners,” directed by Ryan Coogler, is a Southern supernatural horror film and a fantastic watch. The story grabbed my mom’s and my attention quickly, making us feel like we were transported into that world. 

Although the movie is fictional and includes bloodsucking vampires, it takes inspiration from real historical context. It’s set in Mississippi in 1932, during the Jim Crow era. The movie follows Sammie, a young Black man who wants to chase the blues instead of following his family’s religious roots. His twin cousins Smoke and Stack return home after opening a juke joint in Chicago, aiming to create a space of freedom and community. 

Even the music bleeds symbolism. It isn’t just background noise. It drives the plot. It represents pain and resilience.  

The vampires aren’t just monsters. They are colonizers in disguise, stealing culture and using it for their own gain.

“Sinners” comments on culture, religion, race, art and history, making it a meaningful watch during Black History Month.

There are so many great media options and genres for Black History Month and beyond, making it impossible to choose just a few.

“Star Trek: The Original Series” and “The Boondocks”

Jonathan Perry, a 27-year-old Chicagoan, recommends watching “Star Trek: The Original Series” and “The Boondocks.”

The iconic “Star Trek” series premiered in 1966 with a diverse cast. Considered to be way ahead of its time, the original series featured positive and nonstereotypical representations. Black characters held leading and heroic roles, like Lt. Nyota, who was played by Nichelle Nichols. It also had the first interracial kiss on TV. 

“Lt. Nyota is the best character, and she was a crucial part of the crew,” Perry said.

Perry also recommends “The Boondocks,” an adult cartoon influenced by Japanese anime with unique and fun characters that are easy to connect with.

Perry explained that at first glance, “The Boondocks” may look like a generic comedy with cheap jokes about Black stereotypes. But he feels the show has so much more to offer.

“It’s a fun watch party,” Perry said. “Each character represents an aspect of the Black community.”

Alexa Bermudez, a DePaul sophomore, also recommends the show.

“It’s so funny and educational,” Bermudez said. “You learn a lot of Black history and Black culture.”

“Love and Basketball”

Omari Brooks, a DePaul majoring in art, said he really likes the 2000 film “Love and Basketball.”

“It’s a really good romance story,” Brooks said.

Though the character and the events in “Love and Basketball” are fictional, the struggles it depicts of Black female athletes in a male-dominated sport are real. 

The movie is about two people chasing after the same dream. The main characters grow up together, fall in love and then drift away and reconnect all through basketball. It portrays love in a tender way, including a lot of conflict and character growth, making it a must-watch this month.

“White Chicks”

A movie that I plan on rewatching this month is “White Chicks.” “White Chicks” may not be an obvious pick for Black History Month, but for me it is. “White Chicks” is a comedy about two FBI agents who go undercover as wealthy white sisters using makeup, wigs and prosthetics. 

The two men are forced to navigate high society, rivals and romance all the while completing a federal investigation and trying not to blow up their identities. The movie is chaotic in all the best ways, poking fun at stereotypes and beauty standards. 

“White Chicks” is over the top, but that’s the point. It is a comedy that reverses the stereotypes, getting viewers to think about how two Black men have to handle their new-found privilege as rich white girls. The film uses absurdity to comment on ridiculous social expectations and identity. 

The movie received backlash online from conservative critics comparing the movie’s use of “whiteface” to historical portrayals of blackface in the media. “White Chicks” actor Marlon Wayans pushed back against these critics who frame the movie as offensive, arguing that comedy is a way to make social commentary. 

While I do think critics have the right to express their opinions about the movie, doing whiteface and blackface are not the same thing. Blackface has roots in oppression and racism while whiteface does not have the same implications. The media often uses whiteface as satire, while blackface is viewed as offensive because of the historical injustices faced by Black communities. 

Doechii, Monaleo, Tyla

Music is also a great way to engage with Black culture this month.

“A must-follow Black artist would be Doechii,” said Mia Colon, a DePaul student majoring in business management. “I absolutely love her music.”

Bermudez also suggested listening to Monaleo, a 24-year-old American singer and rapper, because she creates music that helps her and others be more confident in their identity.

Monaleo gained popularity with her viral hit “Beating Down Yo Block.” She creates music that centers on themes of empowerment and resilience for Black women.

“A lot of her songs praise where we come from and who we are,” Bermudez said.

A new singer I can’t stop recommending is Tyla. This South African artist has a fresh sound, and she is helping shape mainstream music while still connecting to her culture.

Brooks also encourages people to educate themselves by reading books, watching films and supporting Black artists.

“A lot of people from different cultures do not know about all of the history,” Brooks said. “As a Black artist myself, definitely invest in Black art.”

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