Judas and The Black Messiah (2021) -
Judas and The Black Messiah is a biographical historical drama telling the story of the events that led to the murder of Fred Hampton, chairman of the Illinois chapter of the Black Panther Party in 1960s Chicago. The Party was first established in Oakland, California in 1966 for the purpose of protecting African American neighbourhoods against continued racist police brutality. The film is an excellent introduction to an often-overlooked chapter of the African American struggle for equality and justice. It has left me deeply curious and rethinking my ideas about liberation.
Dreamgirls – Musical Film
Dreamgirls is significant to Black history because it highlights the struggles and triumphs of Black artists in the music industry, inspired by the story of The Supremes and Motown. It explores issues of racism and the exploitation of Black talent, while celebrating the rich legacy of Black music, especially R&B and soul. As a Broadway and film success with a mostly Black cast, Dreamgirls broke barriers and continues to educate audiences about the challenges and contributions of Black performers in American history.
Us (2019)
I picked this because it's the kind of film that makes you think for days. It uses horror not just to scare you, but to hold up a mirror to society, questioning who the real "monsters" are and challenging our ideas about identity and privilege. That kind of deep, thought-provoking storytelling is what makes it so powerful.
Shamandora by Mohamed Mounir (2003)
Mohamed Mounir is an Egyptian Nubian singer. Although he was born in Aswan in Upper Egypt, he was later relocated among many other Nubians to Cairo as his village was lost to the Aswan Dam. Known affectionately as “The King” of Egyptian music, Mounir has carried his Nubian heritage with him to Cairo, often incorporating traditional Nubian folk music along with different genres in his songs. In his song “Shamandora”, Mounir mixes Arabic lyrics with lyrics in his mother tongue of Nubian, which is spoken as a first language by the Nubian people in Southern Egypt and Northern Sudan. Mounir has visited Liverpool as soon as 2010, headlining the Liverpool Arab Arts Festival in the Philharmonic Hall.
Stand Up by Cynthia Erivo (2019)
Stand up is a song written by Cynthia Erivo and Joshuah Brian Campbell. It was written for the film Harriet which is about the life of Harriet Tubman. The song is about Harriet’s legacy and courage, resonating with anyone fighting against oppression. This song is a powerful anthem, and I would recommend anyone to listen to it.
RESPECT (Aretha Franklin)
‘Respect’ by Aretha Franklin released in 1967, is a powerful anthem demanding equality, and racial justice for black women. Originally written by Otis Redding, Franklin transformed it into a bold declaration of independence and self-worth. At the height of the Civil Rights and Women’s Liberation movements, the song became a rallying cry for both racial and gender justice. Its message resonates deeply within the Black community, symbolizing the broader fight against oppression and the demand for equal rights.
"Don’t Worry Be Happy" - Bobby McFerrin:
This song is a constant reminder to not get lost in the noise of daily life. The moment it comes on, I feel a sense of calm. It's a simple message, but a vital one: sometimes the best thing you can do is just breathe and enjoy the moment.
Antara Ibn Shadad
Antara Ibn Shadad was a knight and poet who lived during the sixth century in pre-Islamic Arabia. Born to an Arab nobleman and a black enslaved woman, Antara’s misfortune started at birth as his father and tribe refused to acknowledge him as one of their own because of his skin colour. Antara was enslaved by his own tribe, which rendered him of a lowly status in society and prevented him from marrying the love of his life Abla, even after he was later liberated. Although Antara’s people have rejected him throughout his lifetime, he has remained remembered for 15 centuries in the collective cultural memory of Arabic-speaking people as one of the finest poets of the Arabic language. His poems tell an epic story that forever immortalises him as a noble man, brave knight, and gentle lover.
Frances Thompson (1840 – 1876)
Frances Thompson was a formerly enslaved Black transgender woman and a strong advocate against sexual violence. She made history as one of five Black women who testified before a congressional committee investigating the Memphis Riots of 1866. She is recognised as the first known trans woman to provide testimony before the U.S. Congress. Frances’s testifying was part of the action which led to Reconstruction Acts, which improved civil rights and political representation to Black Americans. It is so important now more than ever before the people who changed history for the better
Marsha P. Johnson
Marsha P. Johnson was a trans, African American Women prominent in the Stonewall uprisings across New York City in 1969. Marsha was also a prominent activist with the US Gay Liberation front and set up a charity called STAR (Street Trans Action Revolutionaries) which helped provide housing and support for young trans people of colour who had become homeless. Marsha will always be remembered for her activism and recognition of the intersectional nature of liberation struggles.
Chris Gayle
He's the reason I got into watching IPL in the first place. His explosive, fearless style made the sport so much more exciting for me. Beyond his talent, his work raising money for children in Jamaica and his willingness to confront racism in the sport shows that being a champion means more than just winning games, it means using your platform for good.