Black Experience: Documentaries

By Heather, Oroville Library

Documentaires give us glimpses into real-life history. They can deepen our knowledge and understanding and give us insight into our society. Our Hoopla and Kanopy online services offer a host of documentaries that you can stream online. There are many featured documentaries about the Black experience. Watch them during Black History Month, or anytime.

On Hoopla you can browse the Black History documentaries available. At Kanopy you can go to the Must See Black History category to find a collection of Black films.

Here are a few select titles:

Freedom Riders – The Freedom Riders were greeted with mob violence and bitter racism, testing their belief in non-violent activism. Hoopla Kanopy.

Dark Girls – An exploration of the prejudices dark-skinned women face throughout the world. Hoopla

I Am Not Your Negro – A journey into black history that connects the Civil Rights movement to #BlackLivesMatter. Hoopla Kanopy

Slavery and the Making of America – This series examines the integral role slavery played in shaping the new country. Hoopla Kanopy

Whose Streets? – An unflinching look at the Ferguson uprising told by the activists and leaders who live and breathe this movement for justice. Hoopla Kanopy

Ethic Notions – An Emmy-winning documentary that takes viewers on a disturbing voyage through American history, tracing for the deep-rooted stereotypes which have fueled anti-black prejudice. Kanopy

You can learn more about Hoopla and Kanopy on our Online Resources page.