African American Films : Military / War

Based on the true story of the first black regiment to fight for the North in the Civil War. Robert Gould Shaw and Cabot Forbes are two idealistic young Bostonians that lead the regiment; Sgt. Maj. John Rawlins is the inspiration who unites the troops; Pvt. Trip is a runaway slave who joins the regiment.


CAST - Matthew Broderick, Denzel Washington, Cary Elwes, Morgan Freeman, Jihmi Kennedy, Andre Braugher, Cliff DeYoung, Alan North, Peter Michael Goetz, Bob Gunton, Jay O. Sanders, John Finn, Donovan Leitch, John David Cullum.

The story of the 'Fighting 99th' - the first squadron of black American pilots to be allowed to fight for their country. It is 1943 and the U.S. is suffering huge losses on the ground and in the air. Four newly recruited pilots are united by a desire to serve their country, at a time when black flyers were not welcomed in the Air Force. Now, the "Tuskegee Airmen" must undertake the riskiest mission of their lives and to prove to America that courage knows no color.

CAST - Laurence Fishburne, Allen Payne, Malcolm-Jamal Warner, Courtney B. Vance, Andre Braugher, Chris McDonald, John Lithgow, Cuba Gooding, Jr.

Italy, 1944. As the war takes its toll on Allied forces in Europe, a squadron of black pilots known as the Tuskegee Airmen are finally given the chance to prove themselves in the sky, even as they battle discrimination on the ground. Featuring jaw-dropping aerial action and thrilling special effects, Red Tails is a breathtaking tribute to the unsung heroes who rose above extraordinary challenges and ultimately soared into history.

CAST - Terrance Howard, Cuba Gooding, Jr.

Chronicles the formation and battlefield heroics of the first all-black Union regiment, the Massachusetts 54th Colored Infantry. Highlights of this documentary include archival daguerreotypes, tintypes, lithographs, and commentary by various historians.

Narrated by Morgan Freeman

"From the Revolution to the Civil War, from the World Wars to present day fighting in Afghanistan, this inspiring epic saga of African American military sacrifices dramatically, and for all time, sets the record straight ."

Hosted by Halle Berry. Includes numerous stories and reflections by various artists.