Civil Rights on Screen: 10 Films That Inspire Change

Description: Directed by Spike Lee, this biographical epic follows the life of Malcolm X, from his early days as a street hustler to his transformation into a powerful civil rights leader. It's a profound look at one man's journey and the impact he had on the civil rights movement.

Fact: Denzel Washington's portrayal of Malcolm X earned him an Academy Award nomination. The film was also nominated for Best Costume Design.

Description: "Ghosts of Mississippi" focuses on the decades-long quest for justice in the murder of civil rights leader Medgar Evers. It's a testament to the persistence of those seeking to right historical wrongs.

Fact: Whoopi Goldberg plays Myrlie Evers, Medgar's widow, who fought tirelessly for justice. The film was based on true events.

Description: Inspired by a true story, this film follows the Wiley College debate team as they challenge racial segregation and prejudice through their intellectual prowess. It's a story of triumph against the odds.

Fact: Denzel Washington directed and starred in this film, which also features a young Forest Whitaker.

Description: "Freedom Writers" is based on the true story of a teacher who inspires her at-risk students to overcome racial tensions and violence through writing and understanding each other's stories.

Fact: Hilary Swank stars as Erin Gruwell, the real-life teacher whose diary inspired the film. The students in the film were played by actual students from Long Beach, California.

Description: "Selma" chronicles the historic 1965 voting rights marches from Selma to Montgomery, Alabama, led by Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. This film captures the essence of the civil rights movement, highlighting the determination and courage of activists.

Fact: Oprah Winfrey, who played Annie Lee Cooper, was also one of the film's producers. The film was shot in the actual locations where the events took place.

Description: "The Butler" tells the story of Cecil Gaines, a White House butler who served eight presidents over three decades. Through his eyes, we see the evolution of civil rights and the personal sacrifices made by those in service.

Fact: Oprah Winfrey and Forest Whitaker star in this film, which was inspired by the life of Eugene Allen, a real-life White House butler.

Description: Set in the early 1960s, "The Help" explores the lives of African-American maids working in white households in Mississippi. It delves into themes of racial inequality, friendship, and the power of storytelling to effect change.

Fact: The film was adapted from Kathryn Stockett's best-selling novel. Viola Davis received an Academy Award nomination for her role as Aibileen Clark.

Description: Based on the memoir by Solomon Northup, this film recounts his harrowing experience of being kidnapped and sold into slavery. It's a stark reminder of the brutality of slavery and the resilience of those who endured it.

Fact: Lupita Nyong'o won an Academy Award for Best Supporting Actress for her role as Patsey. The film was the first by a black director (Steve McQueen) to win the Best Picture Oscar.

Description: "Loving" tells the story of Richard and Mildred Loving, an interracial couple whose marriage led to a landmark Supreme Court case that struck down laws banning interracial marriage.

Fact: The film was directed by Jeff Nichols and stars Joel Edgerton and Ruth Negga, who received an Academy Award nomination for her performance.

Description: This film dramatizes the FBI investigation into the disappearance of three civil rights workers in Mississippi in 1964. It's a gripping narrative that exposes the deep-seated racism and the fight for justice.

Fact: The film was nominated for seven Academy Awards, including Best Picture, and won for Best Cinematography.