Throughout the month of February, the Trenton Free Public Library will be hosting Black History Month Movie Mornings. This weekly series, kicking off Wednesday, February 7th, invites guests to start off their day with rotating series of cinematic masterpieces which highlight the lived experiences of Black protagonists. From historic biopics to stirring tales of romance and more, the upcoming Movie Mornings are a wonderful way to embrace and immerse yourself in the cultural richness of Black History Month.
Throughout the month, guests will have the opportunity to tune into a number of important works of cinema, including:
- Wednesday, February 7th – Judas and the Black Messiah: Set in Chicago in the late 1960s, Judas and the Black Messiah follows the life and legacy of Fred Hampton, chairman of the Illinois chapter of the Black Panther Party. After receiving a plea deal by the FBI, William O’Neal, a career criminal, set off on a mission to subdue Hampton and the Black Panthers from within. A gripping saga of conflict and power, this thought-provoking film explores the experience of a real-life revolutionary.
- Wednesday, February 14th – Love & Basketball: Love and Basketball, a beloved romantic drama of the early 2000s, follows Monica and Quincy, two childhood friends with a shared passion for basketball. After connecting over their shared dream to one day become a professional basketball player, Quincy and Monica develop a love-hate relationship, ultimately leading them to fall in love in high school. However, as college and career get in the way, will the two prevail as one, or will these crossroads come between these two star-crossed ballers?
- Wednesday, February 21st – The Tuskegee Airmen: The Tuskegee Airmen follows the inspiring account of the first all-African American Air Force squadron in World War II. The brave soldiers of The Tuskegee Airmen were not just fighting a war overseas – at home, they were also entrapped in the fight against racism and prejudice. Despite adversity faced at every corner, these inspirational pilots fought tirelessly and proved themselves time and time again in the face of oppression.
- Wednesday, February 28th – Fruitvale Station: Fruitvale Station is a 2013 biographical drama following the events leading to the death of Oscar Grant, who was killed by San Francisco’s BART Police. After getting caught up in a scuffle at the train station, BART Police respond to the scene, where Grant was a participant. This harrowing tale shows a glimpse inside the realities of police brutality, an issue that continues to plague communities all throughout the nation. A film that forces you to confront the uncomfortable realities of policing and racism in the United States, Fruitvale Station gives a vital platform to an issue critically in need of discussion.
Whether you come to every screening or just pop by for the morning, you’re certain to be enriched by these profound cinematic works. If you have any questions or would like to learn more prior to the screening, please contact the Trenton Free Public Library at (609) 392-7188 for additional details. Don’t miss your chance to kick off Black History Month on the big screen, be sure to come out for a month of movie magic!