Remembering The Dream: Movies And Documentaries Depicting the Civil Rights Movement And The March On Washington
This year marks the 60th anniversary of the historic March on Washington for Jobs and Freedom, a pivotal moment in American history that continues to resonate today.
On August 28, 1963, a quarter of a million people gathered at the Lincoln Memorial to demand an end to racial segregation, discrimination, and economic inequality. Dr.
Martin Luther King Jr.'s iconic "I Have a Dream" speech was delivered against the memorial's backdrop, capturing the march's spirit and its call for racial harmony and justice.
The march was not only a powerful display of unity but also a catalyst for change,
leading to the eventual passage of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 and
the Voting Rights Act of 1965.
On this occasion, we take a moment to reflect on the pivotal role this march played in advancing civil rights and explore the intersection of civil rights and Black entertainment through movies and documentaries. These films and series not only shed light on the struggles for equality but also celebrate the resilience and determination of the Black community.
Rustin (2023)
This highly anticipated biopic on Bayard Rustin, one of the key organizers of the March on Washington, will star Colman Domingo. Rustin's remarkable contributions to the civil rights movement, despite facing discrimination as an openly gay Black man, are inspiring and deserving of recognition. This upcoming film, directed by George C. Wolfe, promises to shine a spotlight on his life and legacy. The trailer, which just dropped today, see above.
"John Lewis: Good Trouble" (2020)
This doc explores the life and career of the late John Lewis, a civil rights icon and U.S. Congressman. Lewis was pivotal in the March on Washington and the fight for voting rights. "Good Trouble" offers an intimate look at his remarkable journey and unwavering commitment to justice.
"Selma" (2014)
"Selma" is Ava DuVernay's powerful historical drama focusing on the 1965 Selma to Montgomery voting rights marches led by Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. The film highlights the courage of those who marched and the challenges they faced, contributing to the broader narrative of the Civil Rights Movement.
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"One Night in Miami" (2020)
Directed by Regina King, this film imagines a fictional meeting between Malcolm X, Muhammad Ali, Sam Cooke, and Jim Brown. Set against the backdrop of the 1964 Clay-Liston fight, the movie delves into the discussions and debates surrounding civil rights, activism, and Black entertainment in the 1960s.
"The March" (TV Movie 2013)
Narrated by Denzel Washington, "The March" is a feature documentary that provides a comprehensive look at the historic 1963 March on Washington for Jobs and Freedom. Through powerful archival footage and interviews, it offers viewers an opportunity to relive the momentous event and the profound impact it had on the nation.
See vintage footage of the March on Washington above.
