Juneteenth, a day commemorating the emancipation of enslaved African Americans in the United States, provides a wonderful opportunity to celebrate the rich history, culture, and resilience of the Black community. What better way to honor this significant day than by indulging in a selection of uplifting media picks that shed light on the triumphs and achievements of Black individuals?
These picks inspire, educate, and entertain, making them perfect companions to commemorate Juneteenth while celebrating the spirit and highlighting the remarkable contributions of the Black community.
Books
The Warmth of Other Suns: The Epic Story of America’s Great Migration by Isabel Wilkerson
Since it was published in 2011, The Warmth of Other Suns found itself on many bestseller and bookclub recommendation lists, including one from former President Barack Obama. The book details the cross-country trip made by Black citizens to the North from the South and West. The Pulitzer Prize-winning author interviewed over a thousand people to help tell the story of this historical movement many Americans were unaware of.
Black Women Will Save the World: An Anthem by April Ryan
Acknowledging the thankless role of the “she-roe” that Black women routinely play, it’s a long overdue recognition of their monumental contributions. Interviews and profiles highlight the triumphs of notable Black women who fought problematic boundaries to claim wins for all. Part uplifting and part recount of historical events, the book highlights the various ways in which Black women remain the pillars of strength in society despite a lack of credit.
I Know Why the Caged Bird Sings by Maya Angelou
Here is a book as joyous and painful, as mysterious and memorable, as childhood itself. I Know Why the Caged Bird Sings captures the longing of lonely children, the brute insult of bigotry, and the wonder of words that can make the world right. Maya Angelou’s poetic and powerful memoir will touch hearts and change minds for as long as people read.
More than Enough by Elaine Welteroth
Throughout her life, Elaine Welteroth has climbed the ranks of media and fashion, shattering ceilings along the way. In this riveting and timely memoir, the groundbreaking journalist unpacks lessons on race, identity, and success through her own journey, from navigating her way as the unstoppable child of an unlikely interracial marriage in small-town California to finding herself on the frontlines of a modern movement for the next generation of change makers.
From Tunde Oyeneyin, the massively popular Peloton instructor, fitness star, and founder of SPEAK, comes an empowering, inspiring book about how she transformed grief, setbacks, and flaws into growth, self-confidence, and triumph.
Movies
IS THAT BLACK ENOUGH FOR YOU?!?
Directed and narrated by film historian Elvis Mitchell, IS THAT BLACK ENOUGH FOR YOU?!? is an in-depth history lesson on the origins and evolution of Black American cinema. Featuring film excerpts and commentary from the likes of Zendaya, Whoopi Goldberg, and Samuel L. Jackson, the documentary examines the legacy and cultural impact of Black movies that were released during the 1970s.
In the 1960s, two entrepreneurs hatch an ingenious business plan to fight for housing integration and equal access to the American Dream; inspired by true events.
Set in a Texas town, Channing Godfrey Peoples’ feature directorial debut, Miss Juneteenth, ostensibly follows a mother preparing her daughter for a beauty pageant but essentially establishes the importance of autonomy. Historically, Juneteenth celebrates the day in 1865 when slaves in Texas were told of the Emancipation Proclamation — a full two years after its passage. The jubilee commemorating the day is celebrated differently depending on family and state. In this Texas town, they hold a pageant to award a crown, a parade, and a full-ride scholarship to any Historically Black College and University (HBCU) for Miss Juneteenth.
Two Dollars and a Dream is the biography of Madame C.J. Walker, America’s first self-made millionairess. Mrs. Walker’s fortune was built on skin and hair care products, parlaying a homemade beauty formula into a prosperous business from coast to coast. By interweaving social, economic and political history, the film also offers a view of black America from 1867 to the 1930s.
TV Shows
Zoey is Grown-ish just a little. She takes on Cal U with her friends and learns what it’s like to be on your own. Like Black-ish, the show pays tribute to Black History Month and Juneteenth by addressing the protests around the world caused by social injustice.
This scripted drama combines fictional and real-life characters and moments to tell the story of a young, ambitious and troubled entrepreneur who created “Soul Train,” one of the most predominant television shows for African-American culture. Set in the early 1970s and filled with music, dance, fashion and glamour, the series reveals what it took to launch the first nationally-syndicated black music show and what happened when the music stopped. Through it all, 30-something Don Cornelius sacrifices all that he loves to follow his dream.
A re-imagination of the beloved sitcom “The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air” set in modern-day America through a new, dramatic take on Will’s complicated journey from the streets of West Philadelphia to the gated mansions of Bel Air. As these worlds collide, he reckons with the power of second chances while navigating the conflicts, emotions and biases of a world far different from the only one he’s ever known.
Podcasts
Black queer bloggers Kid Fury and Crissle West are the hosts of The Read, a weekly podcast covering hip-hop and pop culture’s most “trying” stars. A tried-and-true intersectional favorite for many, each episode spotlights everyday Black people doing remarkable things, provides comedic takes on hot topics, answers listener letters, and calls out the issues plaguing their minds that day.A
AfroPoP; The Ultimate Cultural Exchange – Professional Black Girl
Covering everyday topics like hairstyles and hair care, personal fashion and style, Professional Black Girl is like a conversation with a woman you know, whether it is your homegirl, your sister, your auntie, or your mama. Each PBG shares her Black girl cultural experience, sharing personal stories and reflection.
What’s Code Switch? It’s the fearless conversations about race that you’ve been waiting for. Hosted by journalists of color, our podcast tackles the subject of race with empathy and humor.
Black Entrepreneur Experience uncovers the brilliance, boldness and business acumen behind successful Black Entrepreneurs all over the globe. It is a show created for aspiring entrepreneurs, small business owners or startup founders. Black Entrepreneur Experience can be any strategy, wisdom, idea that will ignite, empower and provoke more African Americans (Blacks, African Diaspora) to join the entrepreneurial journey. Invoking a movement to stimulate our communities to move towards business ownership and the entrepreneurial mindset.