Black History Month: TV Specials, Documentaries You Should Watch

Examines the life and legacy of civil rights activist Rev. Fred Shuttlesworth, who joined the fight after a bomb planted by the KKK failed to kill him.

The latest season of the anthology series follows Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. and Malcolm X as they use different perspectives to reach the same goal. Kelvin Harrison Jr. stars as Dr. King alongside Aaron Pierre as Malcolm X.

The new edition of the documentary series follows Microsoft Philanthropic specialist Darrell Booker as he strives to build Black financial health. He examines the role of technology in the quest for wealth equality.

If you love theater, but can’t get to the Met in New York, this production of the opera, Malcolm X is seen as an “Everyman whose story transcends time and space.”

If your dad loves a good war documentary, this one will be right up his alley. Narrated by Robin Roberts, it chronicles the heroic efforts of the 5th New York National Guard Regiment during WWI. It also details the racism they faced when they returned to the United States following the war.

Henry Louis Gates Jr. hosts this concert celebrating everything gospel music means to Black culture.

In addition to chronicling the founding of news outlet The 19th, the docuseries features episodes about a racist tree line in California and how climate change has made a housing project in Miami incredibly valuable.

Whether you’re a regular church member, or only show up on Christmas and Easter, gospel music has had an impact on your life. Henry Louis Gates, Jr. explores the history of gospel and its influence on Black History.

Come on, you know they couldn’t get to space without our help. “The Space Race” finally gives all the amazing Black astronauts their flowers while also celebrating Black contributions to the American space program. It streams on Hulu and Disney+ the day after premiering on NatGeo.

NBA superstar Giannis Antetokounmpo is one of the most popular athletes in the world. His story of making it from humble beginnings in Greece to becoming an NBA champion continues to captivate fans. In this documentary, viewers get an up-close look at his journey to superstardom.

You can’t have Black History Month without James Brown. His music is the soundtrack to Black Excellence. The Roots’ Questlove and Black Thought executive produce this two-part documentary about his impact and influence on music and Black culture. A&E is really good at these docs, and we know Questlove and Black Thought will do James Brown proud, so this should be fascinating.

One of the best things about the annual roll out of all these documentaries is the chance to discover new stories, like the origins of historic Black boarding school Piney Woods. In this film, the students tell their stories of attending and how it shapes their lives and futures. This one feels like required viewing.

From the moment rap music was born, the powers that be have been trying to tear it down. To that end, prosecutors have been using rap lyrics as evidence in criminal trials. Bronx rapper Kemba examines how this isn’t a new phenomenon, or limited to the United States.

As the issue of reparations continues to make headlines, the series explores the real world fight for reparations, as well as understanding why this step is necessary. Currently streaming on PBS.org.

African students at MIT work toward finding ways to use their new experiences to make changes back home. Currently streaming on PBS.org.