As part of our celebration of Black History Month, we asked some of the people who we have been highlighting to share their recommendations of their favourite films and actors, books and authors, and songs, albums and musical artists who they believe have advanced the cause of Black cultural awareness by capturing through their work, what it means to be Black.

Michael Regis Equity, Diversity and Inclusion Advisor

You should watch: Miles Davis – Birth of Cool Why I like it: I liked the documentary Miles Davis – Birth of Cool because Davis had a mythical standing in my home growing up, my father being a huge fan. I also love Davis’s music. The documentary provides a window into the brilliance and legend of Davis, yet it also provides a human element, full of his imperfections. Davis was the epitome of cool. He was a calm, sincere, direct and no-nonsense personality, with an impeccable sense of style. He was unapologetic about his blackness, even during the racism of 1950s America, just prior to the civil rights movement. In one of the most poignant sections of the film, Davis contrasts his experience of racism in America with the time he spent in Paris. In Paris, Davis explained he was appreciated for the innovative artist he was. “It changed the way I looked at things forever. I loved being in Paris and loved the way I was treated. Paris was where I understood that all white people were not the same; that some weren’t prejudiced.” You should read: Book Mindful of Race by Ruth King Why I like it: What I like about Mindful of Race is through mindfulness techniques including meditation, Ruth King, a Buddhist and teacher in Insight Meditation, asks the reader to sit with and look deep into oneself in understanding our inner distress and trauma from experiences of racism and discrimination. This is a direction for both historically marginalized groups who have experienced racism, and more dominant groups. Through mindfulness, we have the ability to heal ourselves from the disease of racism and build strong relationships with people we are taught to be afraid of, King explains. King notes that people of colour tend to see themselves as having collective racial group identities, which may include many positives, however, also include being subjected to historical and current experiences of subordination and oppressive media narratives in a culture dominated by whiteness. The phrase “I don’t see colour” King explains, is an often-unconscious way the dominant culture disassociates with being part of a white group identity, without roots or association with challenging histories. “I’m just a good individual and that should be enough”, but in order to connect with others, we need to develop a deep understanding of ourselves, King explains. You should listen to: Mind Playing Tricks on Me by Geto Boys Why I like it: "It’s about a man experiencing loneliness, exhaustion, paranoia and suicidal ideation from post-traumatic stress of life on the streets. He is coming to terms with the life he has lived and is reaching for God for forgiveness. He misses the woman he loves and does not wish to abandon his son. What resonated with me was the deep expression of sadness and vulnerability expressed by the artist, which is quite evident in his voice. He is a man of faith, holding on to hope and trying to persevere in impossible conditions of systemic and institutional racism."

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Damisi Babs-Olorunfemi Graduate of Assumption College Catholic High School Nursing student at the University of Windsor

You should watch: American Son starring Kerry Washington and Steven Pasquale Why I like it: “For anyone who doesn’t have an idea about the Black experience, and the fear of people making assumptions about Black people, especially black men, it really gives a lot of insight about the process of raising a Black child.” You should read: Purple Hibiscus by Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie Why I like it: “I think the essence of the book has to do with the female protagonist navigating the world when she is not under the influence of her father (an epitome of patriarchy) while the country around them collapses in civil war. I recommended the book because the author is well spoken and prolific and often speaks about the experience of black women in the western world.”  You should listen to: Fake by Hopp Why I like it: “It’s really about a guy who’s tired of trying to hide his blackness, he’s tired of all the stereotypes and assumptions, and of playing it safe while people are dying in the streets.”

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