There are so many great documentaries, films, and podcasts about the Civil Rights Movement that it was difficult to pick just a few. So, this page provides a sampling that hopefully sparks your curiosity. In addition, music was an integral part of the movement, and some amazing songs came out of the Civil Rights era. I have endeavored to choose some of the most well-known, as well as some of the more thought-provoking compositions from this time period, so scroll down to see some amazing works. Maybe one of these audiovisual resources will inspire you! If you would like suggestions for further resources, please do not hesitate to consult one of our friendly, neighborhood NVC librarians!
4 Little Girls - Available via Films on Demand - This documentary is about the four girls killed in 16th Street Baptist Church bombing in 1963.
"Bloody Sunday: Rep. John Lewis Remembers the Fateful Day in Selma" - YouTube - This short video covers events leading up to Bloody Sunday, providing context and situating the day in the greater movement to register African American voters. The video also includes reminiscences form Congressman John Lewis who witnessed events first-hand.
"Civil Rights Leader John Lewis" - They Were There: Remembering the Civil Rights Movement - Available via Films on Demand - Events in Selma on Bloody Sunday led to the Voting Rights Act of 1965. Congressman John Lewis (D-GA) talks about hate, forgiveness, and the "beloved community" that he writes about in Walking with the Wind.
"John Lewis' Historic Speech at the March on Washington" from Now This - YouTube - John Lewis gave what is now considered to be one of the most impactful speeches of the Civil Rights' Movement, but there was great controversary surrounding that speech when he gave it. At a little over 7 minutes, this short speech packs a punch.
Eyes on the Prize: America's Civil Rights Movement, 1954-1985 - Available via Films on Demand
The Loving Story - Available via HBO Max, Tubi, and Prime Video - This documentary cover the interracial couple Mildred and Richard Loving who broke the color barriear by challenging marriage laws about interracial couples.
"Martin Luther King - I Have A Dream Speech - August 28, 1963, Full Speech" - YouTube - Now one of the most famous speeches of the Civil Rights Movement, this iconic speech still resonates with audiences today. This video presents the speech in its entirety.
"Reflections on the Greensboro Lunch Counter" - YouTube - Civil Rights activists Joseph McNeil, Diane Nash, and John Lewis reflect on the history and legacy of the lunch counter from the F. W. Woolworth department store in North Carolina and the sit-in campaign that began on February 1, 1960.
"Representative John Lewis Recalls His First Arrest Following Sit-In" - CSPAN - This short clip includes Congressman John Lewis' reflections on his arrest after participating in a sit-in.
"Selma: The Real Selma Footage" - YouTube - This short video contains images and raw news footage pertaining the Selma to Montgomery march that eventually became known as Bloody Sunday. Some images may be distrubing for some viewers, especially starting from about minute 9, so proceed with caution.
"Singing Shosholoza at President Obama Inauguration" - YouTube - "Shosholoza" is a song that was often sung by miners in South Africa, although it's origin is actually from Zimbabwe. The song became a kind of second national anthem in South Africa and came to symbolize solidarity among native South Africans. A group sponteaneously burst out with this song while on the way to President Barrack Obama's first inauguration as a way of celebrating the United States' first black president.
What Was SNCC? How Did It Evolve over the Years? Why Did It Cease to Exist? - Available via Films on Demand - The panel probes the complex evolution of SNCC, discussing the radicalizing effect of its style of grassroots organizing, its disillusionment with establishment politics, the attacks on SNCC by former liberal allies and more conservative black civil rights organizations, and the government's COINTELPRO assault