Great African-American Books Turned Movies

Great African-American Books Turned Movies

Beloved - Bringing Toni Morrison's 1987 novel to the big screen became a personal mission for Oprah Winfrey, who took ten years to get the film made. This movie marked Winfrey's return to the big screen after a twelve year hiatus, and reunited her with her Color Purple co-star Danny Glover. (Photo: Harpo Productions)
Trick Baby - Trick Baby is based on a novel by Iceberg Slim. The movie tells the story of White Folks, a biracial con man who looks white. (Photo: Universal Pictures)
Lady Sings the Blues - This seminal biopic about jazz legend Billie Holiday was nominated for five Oscars in 1973, including a Best Actress nod for Diana Ross. The film, based on Holiday's autobiography and named for one of her most popular songs, spawned a hugely successful soundtrack album as well.(Photo: Courtesy Motown Pictures)

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Lady Sings the Blues - Lady Sings the Blues starred Diana Ross as Billie Holiday and was based on Billie's autobiography with the same title. Both the book and movie deal with Billie's triumphs in music and struggles with segregation and drug abuse. (Photo: Paramount Pictures)

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