STEAMY STREAMING: CIVIL RIGHTS

Selma, The Butler, Four Little Girls + more

image above: mississippi burning; cover image: selma

BY: Georgia Davis

Every year America celebrates the life and legacy of a Civil Rights champion — Martin Luther King, Jr. The reverend from Alabama preached peaceful protesting, and despite that, was brutally assassinated. He died a martyr and activists still turn to his words today to reflect on the progress, or lack thereof, made since his death. This week’s installment of Steamy Streaming is looking at the Civil Rights Movement through film:

MISSISSIPPI BURNING

Likely one of the most famous Civil Rights movies, Mississippi Burning follows two detectives in the southern state who are investigating the disappearances of activists. Starring Gene Hackman and Willem Dafoe, the film demonstrates the hostility of rural southern America during the movement.

Mississippi Burning is available on Hulu.

SELMA

Ava DuVernay breakthrough directing credit was Selma. The film chronicles MLK’s march from Selma to Montgomery Alabama to secure the vote for black people. David Oyelowo’s performance as the reverend is impeccable and one you likely won’t forget.

Selma is available to rent on Amazon Prime.

I AM NOT YOUR NEGRO

James Bladwin’s unfinished novel, Remember This House, serves as the backdrop for this modern-American tale of Civil Rights today. The documentary is narrated by Samuel L. Jackson and paints a shocking comparison to the past and present.

I Am Not Your Negro is available to rent on Amazon Prime.

FOUR LITTLE GIRLS

Socially conscious director Spike Lee directs this HBO documentary. The film recounts the real story of the 16th Street Church bombing in Birmingham, Alabama, that resulted in the death of four little girls. The film puts the victims at the forefront, bring an undeniable connection to a horrible event in American history.

Four Little Girls is available on HBO.

THE BUTLER

Forest Whitaker and Oprah WInfrey star in this Lee Daniels project. The film follows Cecil Gaines, a butler for many U.S. presidents, as he navigates many eras throughout his tenure, including the Civil Rights movement. The film provides a glimpse into this time in history.