Celebrate Juneteenth in Style: Must-Watch Recommendations to Ignite Your Spirit!

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Indulge in JuneteeUnleash the Juneteenth Magic: VCU Faculty’s Ultimate Recommendations for Films, TV Shows, and More.

Monday, June 19, 2023, marks the third anniversary of Juneteenth as an official federal holiday. This significant day commemorates June 19, 1865, when Union troops arrived in Galveston, Texas, and finally brought the news of freedom to enslaved Black Americans residing there. This momentous occasion occurred more than two years after the Emancipation Proclamation was issued.

Although Juneteenth has long been celebrated by Black Americans, it remains a relatively new holiday for many individuals. For those seeking to understand and acknowledge this day or engage in celebrations, VCU News has reached out to faculty members for their recommendations on films, TV shows, and other resources that provide valuable insights into this holiday.

The Learning Tree (Prime Video)

Gordon Parks’ film adaptation of his semi-autobiographical novel, “The Learning Tree,” skillfully explores African American cultural foundations, emphasizing the significance of family, resilience, and inner strength. Through this poignant coming-of-age story, Parks challenges prevailing societal tendencies that previously marginalized and stereotyped Black experiences, going beyond exploiting their trauma. The film follows the journey of Newt Winger, a young man navigating a complex world where he confronts not only racism but also grapples with themes of loyalty, justice, and the pressures of peer influence.Presenting visually captivating imagery that delves into Black life in 1920s Kansas, which was also Gordon Parks’ birthplace in 1912, “The Learning Tree” offers a perspective grounded in American realism. This remarkable film holds the distinction of being the first major motion picture directed by an African American filmmaker for a renowned studio, Warner Brothers-Seven Arts. Despite not receiving the same level of recognition as Parks’ later work, such as the well-known 1971 film “Shaft” (which is also exceptional), “The Learning Tree” ventures beyond conventional narratives of white violence and revenge. Instead, it embraces complexity, shedding light on nuanced perspectives rather than relying on the familiar dichotomy of racism versus not racism, a dichotomy that often diminishes the significance of authentic and crucial moments. — Keith Byron Kirk, Ph.D., assistant professor of theatre.

The HistoryMakers digital archive (Online via VCU Libraries)

Immerse yourself in the rich knowledge of Juneteenth by exploring intimate video interviews with prominent African Americans representing diverse backgrounds. The HistoryMakers, an extensive collection comprising over 2,700 oral history interviews, offers a treasure trove of wisdom. These interviews are thoughtfully divided into nearly 150,000 concise stories, allowing for easy exploration.

Since its inception in 1993, this invaluable online resource has continued to expand, capturing memories that stretch back to the 1890s and span across the entire United States. Within this collection, you will discover numerous accounts of Juneteenth celebrations, both grand and modest. To access these captivating narratives, simply visit the HistoryMakers homepage and search for “Juneteenth.” Experience the stories of Black life, resilience, and jubilation through the convenience of your computer or mobile device, utilizing your VCU Libraries access. — John Glover, humanities research librarian and associate professor, VCU Libraries

Miss Juneteenth (BET+ and Prime Video)

In the debut feature film by writer-director Channing Godfrey Peoples, “Miss Juneteenth” presents a compelling coming-of-age narrative centered around Turquoise Jones (portrayed by Nicole Beharie), a single mother, and her aspirations to pass on the legacy of the Miss Juneteenth crown to her teenage daughter, Kai. This poignant film not only delves into the significance of Juneteenth but also amplifies the voices of Black women and girls, an often overlooked perspective in society.

Set in Fort Worth, Texas, the story skillfully tackles multiple themes, including the exploration of Juneteenth’s meaning and importance. It emphasizes messages of bravery, unity, and optimism while showcasing the Miss Juneteenth pageant—an annual competition that awards the winner with a scholarship to a historically Black college or university of their choice. For Turquoise and Kai, the pageant becomes a transformative space where they individually navigate their identities and search for their place in the world. Moreover, it offers them a platform to envision new possibilities and (re)imagine their futures.

In essence, “Miss Juneteenth” is a timely cinematic gem that serves as both a tribute to the eponymous holiday and a joyous celebration of resilience, the strength of community, and the experiences of Black girls. — Grace Gipson, Ph.D., assistant professor of African American studies

The 1619 Project docuseries (Hulu)

“The 1619 Project” docuseries is a compelling adaptation of Nikole Hannah-Jones’ impactful writings bearing the same name, which she originally produced for The New York Times Magazine starting in August 2019, coinciding with the 400th anniversary of the onset of American slavery. These writings also serve as the basis for the book publication titled “The 1619 Project: A New Origin Story,” as well as the children’s book “The 1619 Project: Born on the Water,” co-authored by Hannah-Jones and Renée Watson. The primary objective of “The 1619 Project” is to provide accurate and authentic context to American history, shedding light on the profound consequences of slavery while centering the invaluable contributions of Black Americans within this narrative.

The six-part docuseries, hosted by Nikole Hannah-Jones, premiered in January-February 2023. Each episode is rooted in an essay from the book, cleverly interweaving threads from the past and connecting them to contemporary systems of oppression. By utilizing the visual medium of film and incorporating interviews and family histories, the docuseries offers a human-centered approach that resonates deeply with viewers, highlighting the enduring relevance of the past in shaping the present. As a January 26th article from The New York Times Magazine emphasizes, “It is a thrill to see it reinvented for television, to watch as she brings to life onscreen the urgent contemporary and historical themes that have animated this groundbreaking work of journalism from the beginning.” — Chrystal Carpenter, head of special collections and archives, VCU Libraries

High on the Hog / season 1, episode 4 (Netflix)

In the captivating series “High on the Hog,” the influence of Black chefs on the culinary landscape is explored, highlighting their significant impact on the nation’s palate. Episode 4, aptly titled “Freedom,” pays homage to Juneteenth, tracing its origins back to Texas, where it all began. The episode shines a spotlight on the history of Juneteenth-inspired desserts, featuring delectable creations such as raw raspberry-hibiscus cheesecake, brown-butter apple pie, and a four-layer red velvet cake. Vibrant colors, particularly red, are used to symbolize the bloodshed by enslaved ancestors, drawing inspiration from merchandise, decorations, and other paraphernalia observed during Juneteenth festivities. Furthermore, this episode delves into the intriguing stories of enslaved individuals who became the pioneers of Black cowboys in America and the rich history of Texas BBQ.

One of the most delightful aspects of this episode is when Jerrelle Guy, author of the cookbook “Black Girl Baking,” highlights the significance of the kitchen as a safe space, providing empowerment for Black women who may not have access to such a sanctuary elsewhere. This episode is an absolute must-see, not only during Juneteenth but also throughout the year, as it offers valuable insights and a celebration of culture. — Kristen Brown, Ed.D., associate professor of educational leadership

Sorry to Bother You (Prime Video)

Embark on a thrilling journey through the intricate maze of contemporary corporate America with the film “Sorry to Bother You.” This cinematic masterpiece follows the story of Cassius Green, a Black telemarketer based in Oakland, California. Cassius discovers that adopting a “white voice” propels him up the corporate ladder, exposing him to the dark underbelly of the American corporate elite.

Written and directed by Boots Riley, a musician, writer, and seasoned political organizer, this film draws inspiration from Riley’s personal experiences in the world of telemarketing. It skillfully combines a sharp critique of American class society and racial politics with an undeniable zest for life.

What sets “Sorry to Bother You” apart and makes it an exceptional choice for viewing on the Juneteenth holiday is its optimistic and forward-thinking perspective. While the film offers a profound critique of contemporary American society, with moments that vividly depict the exploitation of Black individuals, it fundamentally revolves around the struggle for justice. As Riley expressed in an interview, the existence of a fight itself signifies hope.

This film, with its captivating portrayal of an internet-driven and disjointed world, acts as a time machine, revealing our present reality while hinting at the possibilities of the future. Notably, “Sorry to Bother You” has exceeded all expectations at the box office, serving as a beacon of hope for a brighter tomorrow in multiple aspects. Its impact is particularly significant for those discovering it with fresh minds. — Prashanth Kamalakanthan, assistant professor of cinema

In addition to the suggestions provided earlier, the experts also put forth the following recommendations to honor and celebrate Juneteenth:

• Just Mercy (film) 
• The African Americans (TV docuseries)
• Slavery by Another Name (documentary) 
• 13th (documentary)
• Fight the Power: The Movements that Changed America (documentary)
• I Am Not Your Negro (documentary) 
• Juneteenth: Are We Really Free? (podcast)
• The Juneteenth Mixtape (podcast)
• Carver-VCU Partnership Oral History Collection (digital oral history archive)
• Glory (film)
• Daughters of the Dust (film)
• Black Panther (film)
• Toni Morrison: The Pieces I Am (documentary)
• Amazing Grace: Aretha Franklin (documentary)
• In Our Mother’s Gardens (documentary)
• Summer of Soul (documentary)
• The Woman King (film)
• Descendant (documentary)
• Dear White People (TV series)
• Black-ish / season 4, episode 1: “Juneteenth” (TV series)
• Atlanta / season 1, episode 9: “Juneteenth” (TV series)