Black Film History

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Black Film History

We are a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization dedicated to preserving Black Cinema worldwide.

The Department of Afro-American Research and Culture (DAARAC) is a research and preservation based organization that focuses on the historical and present aestheticism of Black Cinema. We look to enlighten those in search for information as it pertains to the cultural aspects of Black Cinema around the world. Our website covers the Race Film Era (Black independent films of the 1920s to mid 1950s), Civil Rights Era, Blaxploitation Era, New Jack/Hip-Hop Era, and Modern Black Cinema.

06/18/2026

"The Ernest Green Story" (1993) is a made-for-television drama that originally aired on the Disney Channel. Directed by Eric Laneuville, the film tells the story of the Little Rock Nine and their historic effort to integrate Central High School in Little Rock, Arkansas, following the Supreme Court's decision in Brown v. Board of Education. Ernest Green became the first African American to graduate from the school in 1958.

Facing racial hostility, intimidation, and violence, the students became national symbols of the Civil Rights Movement as they challenged segregation in public education. The film also depicts the courageous actions of Elizabeth Eckford, whose attempt to attend school on her first day was met by an angry crowd of protesters, creating one of the most enduring images of the Civil Rights era.

Director: Eric Laneuville
Writer: Lawrence Roman

Starring Morris Chestnut, CCH Pounder, Gary Grubbs, Tina Lifford, Avery Brooks, Ruby Dee, Brian Stokes Mitchell, Omar Gooding, James Harper, Wayne Tippit, Monica Calhoun, Suli McCullough, Lisa Marie Russell, Tico Wells, Jacqueline Ann Shaw, Justice Pratt, Ossie Davis

Storyline
In 1957, three years after the court-ordered integration of America's schools, Ernest Green (Morris Chestnut) enrolls at Little Rock Central High School, an all-white school, with eight other African-American students. The National Guard initially prevents them from entering, but soon the students begin class, and history is made.

Available on DVD and streaming services.

06/17/2026

"Wilma" (1977) is a biographical TV drama about the life of track superstar Wilma Rudolph. This movie stars an excellent cast led by Shirley Jo Finney. Denzel Washington also made his debut in a film. TV movies are good at highlighting people's lives. However, television isn't the same as it was, so people produce films for streaming services. TV movies have a certain feel and are challenging to market to folks who need to become more familiar with them. They can be slow-paced and full of dialogue.

Still, "Wilma" is a feel-good movie and very inspirational. There were factors about Ms. Rudolph I was unfamiliar with, and this film highlighted her trials and tribulations. Here are a few facts about her from Wiki:
* She was an American sprinter who became a world-record-holding Olympic champion and international sports icon in track and field following her successes in the 1956 and 1960 Olympic Games.
* Rudolph had several early childhood illnesses, including pneumonia and scarlet fever, and she contracted infantile paralysis (caused by the poliovirus) at the age of five.
* When Rudolph was sixteen and a junior in high school, she attended the 1956 U.S. Olympic track and field team trials in Seattle, Washington. She qualified to compete in the 200-meter individual event at the 1956 Summer Olympics in Melbourne, Australia.

She has a fascinating life and remains a symbol for many young black girls aspiring to be great athletes. The film is educational and a great resource for telling Rudolph's story.

Director: Bud Greenspan
Writer: Bud Greenspan

Starring Shirley Jo Finney, Cicely Tyson, Jason Bernard, Joe Seneca, Denzel Washington, Charles Blackwell, Norman Matlock, Larry B. Scott, Réjane Magloire, Piper Carter, Pauletta Washington, Andrea Frierson, Stacy Green, Dury Cox, Roger Askew, J. Franklin Taylor, L. Warren Young

Storyline
At the 1960 Rome Olympics, Wilma Rudolph became the fastest woman in the world and the first American woman to win three gold medals at a single Olympic Games. But the story of how she got there makes her achievement legendary.

Available on DVD and streaming services.

05/14/2026

I have been collecting and archiving Black films since 2008. Over the years, I have built a massive digital library dedicated to preserving and sharing this history with the community. On this page, I have shared this history for one reason only: love.

Each post, screenshot, newspaper clipping, trailer, and write-up is intended to present Black film history as it is. Some films are nostalgic, classic, groundbreaking, awful, controversial, and even disturbing. But all of them are part of the historical record and deserve to be documented and preserved.

One of the most important parts of this archive is the research and writing. Over 600 film write-ups have been created to provide historical context, production details, cultural significance, and insights into preservation for films that are often forgotten, overlooked, or misunderstood.

I wanted to share some archive statistics so people can see the scale of this work and know that Black film history is in good hands. Thank you to everyone who has supported the page over the years, as well as the distribution companies and preservation groups that helped bring many of these films back to life for newer generations.

05/13/2026

"The Autobiography of Miss Jane Pittman" (1974) is a made-for-television biographical drama based on Ernest Gaines's novel. Originally aired on CBS, the film stars Cicely Tyson as the title character and features an excellent supporting cast, telling a deep, riveting story about a 110-year-old former enslaved person. The film received numerous nominations and won several Primetime Emmys, with Tyson winning "Best Lead Actress in a Drama" and "Actress of the Year - Special."

Director: John Korty
Writers: Tracy Keenan Wynn, Ernest J. Gaines

Starring Cicely Tyson, Joel Fluellen, Michael Murphy, Rod Perry, Beatrice Winde, Thalmus Rasulala, Arnold Wilkerson, Bill Walker, Carol Sutton, Dan Smith, Odetta, Valerie Odell, Derrick Mills, Richard Dysart, Will Hare, David Hooks, Warren Kenner

Storyline
Beginning during the racial turmoil of 1960s Louisiana, 110-year-old ex-slave Jane Pittman (Cicely Tyson) grants an interview to a persistent journalist and relates the remarkable story of her life. Orphaned early, she toils on a plantation until a chance meeting with a white Union soldier named Brown changes her outlook. Jane's emancipation marks only the beginning of an arduous and heartbreaking odyssey, framed by the horrors of slavery and the justice of the civil rights movement.

Available on Blu-ray and streaming services.

05/10/2026

"Little Richard" (2000) was a made-for-television biographical drama about the life of the famous Rock ' n ' Roll legend starring Leon as the rockstar himself. Originally aired on NBC, directed by Robert Townsend, and executive produced by Little Richard, this film takes you on a journey through his life, from growing up in Macon, Georgia, to his stardom in the 1950s.

Director: Robert Townsend
Writers: Bill Kerby, Daniel Taplitz

Starring Leon, Jenifer Lewis, Carl Lumbly, Tamala Jones, Mel Jackson, Garrett Morris, Anthony Lee, Lahmard J. Tate, Alimi Ballard, Anthony, JoNell Kennedy, Michael Mantell, Reynaldo Rey, William James Jones, Warren G, Gregory Gast, Michael Ralph

Storyline
Growing up in Macon, Georgia, Little Richard (Leon) discovered music through his church. After winning a local talent contest, Richard is encouraged to pursue a career as a songwriter and performer, and finds success and stardom following his first single, "Tutti Frutti." At the height of his fame, Richard abandons his career for a religious life. His retirement, however, proves to be short-lived, and he soon makes a triumphant return to rock 'n' roll.

Available on DVD and streaming services.

05/08/2026

"Trespass" (1992) is an action crime thriller directed by Walter Hill and written by Bob Gale and Robert Zemeckis. The star-studded cast includes Bill Paxton, William Sadler, Ice-T, Ice Cube, Bruce A. Young, and Stoney Jackson. The film is non-stop intensity from beginning to end. The story's premise is straightforward, but how things play out keeps you glued to the screen.

Hill shot most of the film between Atlanta and Memphis, even though the film is set in St. Louis. Universal Pictures wanted to release the movie earlier than December. However, due to the LA riots in the Spring of '92 and because the original title was "The Looters," they changed the title and remarketed the film. Unfortunately, the timing of the riots and the film's storyline made a poor impression on a larger audience because the movie featured a White-versus-Black storyline. Still, it had nothing to do with one group hating another group.

The soundtrack is the good raw, gutter, and in-your-face early 90s hip-hop. Ice-T and Ice Cube performed the title song on the soundtrack. I wish there had been a collab album between the two at the time. Other artists include Black Sheep, Public Enemy, WC, Lord Finesse, and Gang Starr. Check out that soundtrack if you want something to give you that Golden Age vibe. It's incredibly underrated compared to other 90s hip-hop soundtracks.

Director: Walter Hill
Writer: Bob Gale, Robert Zemeckis

Starring Bill Paxton, William Sadler, Ice-T, Ice Cube, Bruce A. Young, Stoney Jackson, Art Evans, Glen Plummer, De'voreaux White, Tom Lister Jr., T.E. Russell, John Toles-Bey, Byron Minns, Tico Wells, Hal Landon Jr., James Pickens Jr., L. Warren Young

Storyline
Firefighters Vince (Bill Paxton) and Don (William Sadler) venture into the gang-infested territory to find gold hidden inside an abandoned building. But when they witness a murder, they become the targets of crime lord King James (Ice-T) and his underling Savon (Ice Cube). Fortunately, the treasure hunters have kidnapped a bargaining chip: King James' half-brother, Lucky (Devoreaux White).

Available on Blu-ray and streaming services.

05/05/2026

"The Gifted" (1993) is an independent sci-fi horror film written, directed, and produced by Audrey King Lewis. This movie gem stars a respectable cast, including Dick Anthony Williams, Bianca Taylor, Johnny Sekka, J.A. Preston, Gene Jackson, Julius Harris, and Julie Hampton. However, some cast members were starring in their first film. This movie did not receive a nationwide theatrical release, but it screened at film festivals, including the African American Film Festival.

The film is about a Southern black family's experience with supernatural powers inherited from their West African lineage, and their struggle to battle an alien force that threatens the planet. Lewis's inspiration for the film came from her experiences with family members who have unique healing and astro-projection capabilities. In an interview with Lewis in the Richmond-Times Dispatch, she states, "I used to be able to shed my physical self for out-of-body experiences. I could communicate with people from afar that way." The West African connection comes from a traveler from the Dogon Tribe in the film. Lewis mentioned that the Dogon Book parallels the Bible because both require you to believe you can fight and overcome the hostile forces of evil.

Black sci-fi horror movies are scarce. This film is a real nugget. The budget is low, but the story is excellent. It could use an honorable remake, as it's a thoughtful movie with some educational elements. The film was a project for a Black woman who saw her visions come true on screen. I highly recommend it for viewing.

Director: Audrey King Lewis
Writer: Audrey King Lewis

Starring Dick Anthony Williams, Bianca Taylor, Johnny Sekka, J.A. Preston, Gene Jackson, Julius Harris, Julie Hampton, Marguerite Ray, Ed Cambridge, Davis Roberts, Aaron Lewis

Storyline
The "Gift" was handed down from their West African ancestors 5,000 years ago when the earth was in danger of being taken over by an evil alien force from the star Sirius. After witnessing the horrific slaughter of his family, a West African King from the Dogon tribe is determined to join forces with his American relatives to fight the ominous entity. Time is running out for the alien. His prophecy must be fulfilled. A confrontation is imminent, in which all the endowed powers of the descendants must be joined for the survival of "The Gifted."

Available on VHS and streaming services.

05/03/2026

"The Vernon Johns Story" (1994) was a made-for-television biographical drama about the minister, Dr. Vernon Johns, who preceded Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. at the Dexter Avenue Baptist Church in Montgomery, Alabama (1947–52). Dr. Johns was known for his fiery, controversial sermons on race relations before the Civil Rights Movement. The film stars James Earl Jones as Dr. Johns, who was an excellent choice to honor a leader unknown to many. Kareem Adual-Jabbar was also a co-producer of the movie, exploring a post-NBA career in film.

Director: Kenneth Fink
Writers: Leslie Lee, Kevin Arkadie

Starring James Earl Jones, Mary Alice, Joe Seneca, Tommy Hollis, Nicolle Rochelle, Ashanti Nailah Blaize, Lashayla Logan, Clifton James, Shelby Ware, Cissy Houston, Moses Gibson, Billie Allen

Storyline
In 1948, Johns served as the outspoken spiritual leader of the Dexter Avenue Baptist Church in Montgomery, Alabama. Outraged by the racial injustice that prevailed in the South, he was determined to fight for equality for all African Americans. His refusal to accept segregation incited anger amongst local law enforcement and caused his family to fear for their lives. Johns held strong to his beliefs and encouraged his congregation to join him. But the church council deemed him a troublemaker and voted him out as pastor, only to be replaced by future civil rights leader Martin Luther King Jr.

Available on DVD and streaming services.

05/02/2026

Appreciation Post: Shelia Frazier (November 13, 1948 - present) | 30 acting credits

Ms. Frazier appeared in several films in the 70s before transitioning to primarily television after 1980. She brought elegance, beauty, and dignity to each role while appearing alongside stars such as Ron O'Neal, Richard Roundtree, Jim Brown, Fred Williamson, Bill Cosby, and many others. Thank you, Ms. Frazier. We appreciate your contribution to Black Cinema.

Notable films:
* Super Fly (1972)
* Super Fly T.N.T. (1973)
* Three the Hard Way (1974)
* The Super Cops (1974)
* California Suite (1978)
* The Hitter (1978)

TV. Shows:
* Firehouse (1973, TV Movie)
* Starsky and Hutch (1977)
* King (1978, 3 episodes)
* The Lazarus Syndrome (1979, TV Series & TV Movie)
* Lou Grant (1981)
* The Love Boat (1982)
* Dallas (1982)
* The Phoenix (1982)
* The Greatest American Hero (1983)
* Hardcastle and McCormick (1984)
* Magnum, P.I. (1985)
* Gimme a Break! (1985)

05/01/2026

"The Hitter" (1978) is a late-entry blaxploitation film starring Ron O'Neal and Shelia Frazier. Although some sources list a 1979 release, newspaper advertisements confirm screenings as early as December 1978. The film arrived during the final phase of the blaxploitation era, as the genre was in decline after its early-1970s peak.

Following the success of "Super Fly" (1972), Ron O'Neal became one of the genre's defining faces, later expanding his career into directing and television. "The Hitter" emerged amid an attempted resurgence of the genre, when Black cinema was undergoing a broader transition. As theatrical output declined, many Black actors and filmmakers shifted toward television and made-for-TV productions. The genre itself had become increasingly controversial, facing criticism and organized pushback from civil rights groups who viewed its portrayals as harmful to the broader image of Black communities. As a result, studios reduced both production and marketing efforts, contributing to their rapid decline.

The film features a notable supporting cast, including Adolph Caesar and Bill Cobbs, who add depth to their performances. As in many films of the era, music plays an important role, with a soundtrack produced by Garfeel Ruff that complements the film's tone and atmosphere.

Director: Christopher Leitch
Writers: Christopher Leitch (screenplay), Ben Harris (screenplay)

Starring Ron O'Neal, Sheila Frazier, Adolph Caesar, Bill Cobbs, Dorothi Fox, Alfie Brown

Storyline
An ex-professional boxer (O'Neal) tries to make a new start when teaming up with a fast-talking but aging hoodlum (Ceaser) and an ex-call girl (Frazier), but soon get more than they bargained for when crossing an adversary from their past (Cobbs).

This movie is only available on VHS, YouTube, and other streaming services. I would like to see a remastered release one day soon.

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https://www.daarac.ngo/, https://www.daaracarchive.org/

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