Every February in the US, people take the time to celebrate the rich contributions Black Americans have made to the fabric of the country. What started out as just a week under historian Carter G. Woodson’s suggestion in 1926, became a month-long celebration officially cemented by Congress in 1986.
Since then, TV networks and streamers have made a point to highlight Black culture during Black History Month in keeping with this special time of reflection and commemoration. This year is no different, as a number of platforms are airing specials to highlight historical events, legendary game-changers and more. This month also sees a few TV series and movies debut that widely mirror Black American experiences.
Here’s our round-up of the best programming in the US honoring Black History Month 2024.
By the way, make sure you check out the current list of the Best TV shows featuring Black culture.
As We Speak: Rap Music on Trial (Paramount Plus)
This new documentary stars rap artist Kemba as he takes a journey through hip-hop and makes the argument that there should be some level of protection surrounding Black artists and rap lyrics. As We Speak: Rap Music on Trial features discussions from rappers, politicians, legal experts, academics and music industry executives.
As We Speak: Rap Music on Trial premieres on Paramount Plus on February 27.
Bosco (Peacock)
Bosco follows Quawntay "Bosco" Adams as he escapes a federal prison in an effort to make it to the birth of his first child. Through his own genius and the help of a lonely Missouri woman whom he meets by replying to a personal ad, he pulls off a feat rarely done.
Bosco premieres on Peacock on February 2.
Genius: MLK/X (ABC/National Geographic/Hulu/Disney Plus)
The popular Genius series is back, and this time the installment, titled Genius: MLK/X, focuses on the paralleled journeys of Reverend Dr. Martin Luther King and Minister Malcolm X. The show is easily our most anticipated entry of the Black History Month programming this year as it humanizes the legends in ways not often done in other onscreen portrayals.
Genius: MLK/X premieres on ABC and National Geographic on February 1 and on Hulu and Disney Plus on February 2.
Giannis: The Marvelous Journey (Prime Video)
NBA champion Giannis Antetokounmpo is getting his very own documentary, different from Rise, the Disney Plus movie based on his life. The documentary features interviews with his entire family as well as with basketball “luminaries” Jason Kidd, Khris Middleton, Jrue Holiday, Kenny Smith, Vin Baker, Ernie Johnson and more.
Giannis: The Marvelous Journey premieres on February 19 on Prime Video.
Gospel Live! Presented by Henry Louis Gates, Jr. (PBS)
Gospel Live! Presented by Henry Louis Gates, Jr. is being teased as a "one-of-a-kind musical celebration that honors the legacy and influence of Gospel music in America." Not only will big artists perform their favorite gospel classics, but Grammy winners Erica Campbell and John Legend host.
Gospel Live! Presented by Henry Louis Gates, Jr. airs on Friday, February 9, at 9 pm ET/PT on PBS and the PBS app.
Iwájú (Disney Plus)
If you’re looking for some family viewing, Iwájú provides that. It’s an animated series set in futuristic Lagos, Nigeria, and follows a young girl and her best friend as they find the dangers and secrets hidden in their different worlds.
Iwájú premieres on Disney Plus on February 28.
Kemba (BET Plus)
Kemba follows the true story of Kemba Smith, who was convicted of drug-related crimes and given an outrageous sentence although she was never involved in dealing drugs. The movie showcases an unfortunate story of a woman caught up with the wrong man at the wrong time.
Kemba premieres on BET Plus on February 22.
Kings from Queens: The Run DMC Story (Peacock)
Kings from Queens: The Run DMC Story is a documentary about the rise and impact of hip-hop legends, Run DMC. Not only did the group leave their impression on the rap genre, but on overall pop culture (look no further than Adidas and the brand's 80s surge in popularity).
Kings from Queens: The Run DMC Story premieres on Peacock on February 1.
Mea Culpa (Netflix)
Mea Culpa is the newest film from famed writer/director/actor, Tyler Perry. The movie centers around attorney Mea Harper, played by Kelly Rowland, as she takes on an attractive new client in a murder case. As she tries to get to the truth of what really happened, she finds surprising twists she didn’t bargain for.
Mea Culpa premieres on Netflix on February 23.
Mr. & Mrs. Smith (Prime Video)
The movie Mr. & Mrs. Smith featuring Brad Pitt and Angelina Jolie is getting the small screen treatment with Donald Glover and Maya Erskine taking on the titular roles. With Donald Glover adding the perspective of a Black man to the part of Mr. Smith, the series should add a fresh take on the character.
Mr. & Mrs. Smith premieres on Prime Video on February 2.
Sacred Soil: The Piney Woods School Story (Hulu)
Sacred Soil: The Piney Woods School Story is a new documentary about one of America’s oldest Black boarding schools. From its creation to surviving trying times in American history, the school has managed to become and remain a beacon of educational excellence for the Black diaspora.
Sacred Soil: The Piney Woods School Story premieres on Hulu on February 23.
Samuel L. Jackson marathon (Pluto TV)
Arguably the hardest-working man in Hollywood is getting a spotlight placed on him as a marathon of just a few of his hit movies is set to run. This marathon includes: Twisted, Cell, The Spirit, Hard Eight, Black Snake Moan, Unthinkable, Fresh, Soul Men and Shaft. The best part about all of this is you can watch the movies for free.
The Samuel L. Jackson marathon runs on Pluto TV on February 23.
The Space Race (National Geographic/Hulu)
The Space Race is perhaps one of the more interesting documentaries debuting this month as it covers something that hasn’t gained a lot of coverage over the years — Black contributions to the space race between the US and Soviet Union in the 50s and 60s. Sure people can recall the Oscar-nominated film Hidden Figures, but beyond that, many individuals would be hard-pressed to think of many other projects.
The Space Race premieres on February 12 on National Geographic and February 13 on Hulu.
Shuttlesworth (PBS)
You may not be familiar with the name Reverend Fred Shuttlesworth, but you’ve seen the contributions of his work to the Civil Rights Movement. He worked tirelessly throughout his life to combat the brutal cruelty of segregated Birmingham, Ala. In Shuttlesworth, the hero’s journey is well-documented.
Shuttlesworth premieres on February 1 on PBS (check local listings)
The Vince Staples Show (Netflix)
In the new offbeat comedy The Vince Staples Show, rapper and actor Vince Staples puts his comedy chops on full display as his character experiences some wildly odd things in his day-to-day life. Those who saw Staples portray Janine’s (Quinta Brunson) boyfriend Maurice in Abbott Elementary season 2, you’re aware he has the potential to create some good TV moments.
The Vince Staples Show premieres on Netflix on February 15.
