African American  Films and Black History Video

A List of appropriate Black History Video, that provides inspiration, information, while you learn about--and actually meet--the civil rights leaders who challenged our nation to turn their dream of freedom into reality.  African Americans will find encouragement and lasting impressions upon their minds as they see their history as it actually happened, in its valuable case studies showing how conscientious Christians tried to cope in a "nation divided" by race a generation ago.  Some films will have the influence that will change the lives of those who view these films. But, these films are exceptionally good for view during Black History Month. You will find that they also provide wholesome entertainment for you at any time.

ITEM NUMBER

FORMAT

PRICE

AGAINST ALL ODDS

Free Study Guide(s): 

Against Great Odds Leader's Guide 
A great program on church growth, small groups and faithfulness in times of trial. It examines the growth of the Meserete Kristos Church in Ethiopia. In 1982 the Marxist government closed all of their congregations and put their leaders in prison. The church went underground and continued meeting in homes. After the overthrow of the Marxist government in 1991, the church resurfaced to discover that they had grown tenfold, from 5,000 to 50,000 members. The film uncovers the secret of this amazing survival and growth under oppression. A PDF study guide is available for download. 

Time: 29 min | Production Year: 1992 

This 1966 award-winning documentary explores a white, middle class church that struggled to reach out to the "Negroes" in their city. Filmed as it actually happened, it is a valuable case study of how conscientious Christians tried to cope in a "nation divided" by race a generation ago. Today it provides a historic landmark for us to consider how much has changed and how much remains the same.

The indoctrination of Gerrit Wolfaardt is complete: his family traditions, history, culture, even his church, have taught him that black South Africans are a cancer in the land. Under the eye of prominent members of the government and military, Gerrit develops a diabolical plan to rid South Africa of its "black danger." Before his plans can be carried out, he meets two people who will put him on a collision course with his future: Celeste, an open minded university student, and Peter, a pastor who challenges Gerrit's prejudice.
His "final solution" meets its greatest obstacle when Gerrit himself realizes he is wrong. The Persecutor becomes the Peacemaker and begins to seek reconciliation between whites and blacks. However, in the turbulent last days of apartheid, there are those who doubt his transformation. One such person is Moses Moremi, whom Gerrit had once violently attacked. In the film's dramatic conclusion, it is Moses who must choose between peace and bloodshed.
Based on a true story.

Not Rated: Parental Guidance Suggested -- Scenes of violence not suitable for younger audiences.

DVD Features:
Languages: English
Subtitles: English
Viewing Format: Anamorphic Widescreen
Audio: Dolby Surround
Bonus Material:
- Behind the Scenes
- Interviews
- Film Maker's Commentary
- Bios
- From One Blood

Time: 1 hr 46 min | Production Year: 2003

A trilogy of African-American poems, written by James Weldon Johnson, done in clay animation.

"The Creation" is narrated by James Earl Jones.

"The Prodigal Son" and "Go Down Death" are narrated by Dorian Harewood.

Time: 30 min | Production Year: 1994

$19.99

What begins as a routine class project for a group of sixth-graders turns into a marvelous journey they will never forget! Authentic historical footage of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. is blended with colorful animation as the students learn about--and actually meet--the civil rights leader who challenged our nation to turn his dream of freedom into reality. Features the voices of Angela Bassett, Whoopi Goldberg, James Earl Jones, Susan Sarandon, John Travolta and more. Recommended for ages 8-15.

Note: this program from CBS/Fox features music from Motown greats and contemporary artists and also contains language that some viewers may deem inappropriate for their children.

Time: 1 hr | Production Year: 1998

$24.99

In 1994, the long and painful history of the small African country of Rwanda came to a dreadful climax: the genocide and a death toll of approximately one million, within three months. Pain and suffering have engraved themselves on the souls of the people, but there are also clear signs of hope and restoration. Witnesses of the change speak out; victims and perpetrators likewise refer to the Gospel of Jesus Christ. It's almost unbelievable!

The frankness of the murderers and the relatives of the victims is remarkable. Nothing is glossed over, yet they continue to seek after a process of reconciliation. As they share their everyday lives and even drive through the countryside together in order to tell their reconciliation story, we are brought face to face with basic human truths that confront us all.

DVD Features:
Languages: English, Spanish and French

Time: 27 min | Production Year: 2004

$19.99

Setting the Record Straight reintroduces this generation to the forgotten heroes and untold stories from our rich African American political history:

-The Rev. Richard Allen, the founder of America's first black denomination
-The Rev. Henry Highland Garnet, the first African American to deliver a sermon in Congress
-The Rev. Hiram Rhodes Revels, the first black U.S. Senator
-Joseph Hayne Rainey, the first African American elected to the U.S. Congress
-Jefferson Franklin Long, the first African American to give a speech in the U.S. House
-John Rock, the first African American admitted to the U.S. Supreme Court Bar
-John Roy Lynch, the first African American to preside over a national political convention
-The Rev. Frederick Douglass, the first African American to be appointed to office in four different presidential administrations.

These heroes -- and many others -- are presented in this inspiring documentary of African American political history.

Time: 1 hr 38 min | Production Year: 2005

$24.99

Did you know that one of America's most famous authors, Harriet Beecher Stowe, based her book Uncle Tom's Cabin on the experiences of a real man - the life of Rev. Josiah Henson (1789-1883)?

Josiah Henson: The Real Uncle Tom will take you on a visual journey from the historic Uncle Tom's cabin in Maryland, to Kentucky. and ultimately, to the famous underground railroad. Join television's Day of Discovery host Larnelle Harris, as he shows you how this African-American minister went from spiritual bondage in sin, to freedom in Christ: from physical bondage in slavery, to political freedom and on to help other former slaves to read, write, and learn a trade.

You'll also get a glimpse into the life of Harriet Beecher Stowe (1811-1896), the seventh child of a prominent preacher in Connecticut. And as a special bonus, Larnelle Harris sings the spiritual "Great Gettin' Up Mornin'" and "Nobody Knows the Trouble I've Seen," filmed at Uncle Tom's Cabin Historic Site.

Time: 1 hr | Production Year:

$19.99

We Shall Not Be Moved examines the Civil Rights movement from the perspective of African-American churches. Serving as the critical centers where strategy was conceived, these churches also provided moral and spiritual support to the thousands actively involved in the cause. Built on testimonies of pastors, church members and other participants, We Shall Not Be Moved recalls the events unique to each church, providing spiritual and historical perspective on their roles in the movement to end racial inequality in America.

Time: 1 hr 30 mins. | Production Year: 2001