For many African Americans, the fact that Trump’s Jan. 20 presidential inauguration falls on Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Day feels like a mean joke. Why? Because for many of us, Trump, for all intents and purposes, will always be the wholly antithesis of King: Whether it was refusing to rent apartments to Black people, calling for the execution of the Central Park 5, pushing his infamous Obama birtherism conspiracy, or questioning Kamala Harris’ Blackness on the campaign trail, the President-elect has a history of promoting racial division instead of unity.
So if you are not watching,Trump’s swearing-in ceremony and surely don’t feel like doomscrolling as it takes place, The Root has handpicked 5 films you should watch to celebrate the legacy of Dr. King instead.
Selma (2014)
Ava DuVernay and Paul Webb’s popular depiction of Dr. King in “Selma” first premiered in 2014. It was then re-released a year later to honor the 50th anniversary of the historic voting rights march from Selma to Montgomery, Alabama. David Oyelowo starred as King in the biographical drama chronicling the fight for equality that led to the signing of the 1964 Civil Rights Act. “Selma” won an Oscar for Best Original Song for “Glory” by Common and John Legend.
MLK/FBI (2020)
“MLK/FBI” examines the bureau’s attempts to ruin Dr. King’s reputation and destroy the Civil Rights Movement. Former FBI Director J. Edgar Hoover once called him “the most dangerous” Black man in America.” For almost a decade, King dealt with death threats, bombings and wiretaps. “MLK/FBI” shows some of King’s more sensitive moments, as he is regularly depicted solely as a powerful orator.
King: A Filmed Record...Montgomery To Memphis (1970)
This documentary—which was nominated for an Oscar—contains archival footage of Dr. King’s inspirational speeches and monumental protests. The late Harry Belafonte and James Earl Jones make cameos in the film to describe the leader’s generational impact. “King: A Filmed Record… Montgomery to Memphis” is a lengthy watch at three hours long. However, it covers his prominence in the Civil Rights Movement and how he used nonviolent strategies to fight for equality.
I Am MLK Jr. (2018)
This 2018 documentary examines Dr. King’s storied legacy through the lens of various activists, actors and athletes who remain inspired by his work. It also contains archival recordings of the civil rights leader in action. Rev. Jess Jackson, the late John Lewis and other freedom fighters also share stories about King—and the sacrifices that were made in the name of Black liberation.
4 Little Girls (1997)
This famous HBO film was directed by Spike Lee and garnered him an Academy Award nomination for Best Documentary. In 1963, KKK members bombed the 16th Street Church—which was full of Black parishioners—in Birmingham, Alabama. Four Black girls were killed in the attack: Carol Denise McNair, May Collins, Cynthia Wesley and Carole Rosamond Robertson. Dr. King traveled to Montgomery and delivered the eulogy at the girls’ funeral. He also organized the protest which spoke out against racist violence.