To celebrate Black History Month, Elon University’s Center for Race, Ethnicity and Diversity Education will be hosting a series of events throughout the month of February. One of these events include SUBCinema movie showings at Turner Theater. Three movies will be played across the span of the month — each movie was selected for its adherence to CREDE’s selected themes of celebrating Black history: love, joy and resistance.
Each movie is played on a Friday and Saturday at 8 p.m. and 10:30 p.m.
Feb. 11-12: “Black Panther”
Marvel’s 2018 “Black Panther” was the first mainstream cinematic superhero film centered around a black protagonist that highlighted and celebrated black culture. Before this movie, black characters played very little supporting roles in superhero films in general, let alone the Marvel cinematic universe.
The movie features Chadwick Boseman as T’Challa — king and warrior of the most technologically advanced society in the world. The fictional city of Wakanda, located in central Africa, portrays visually stunning cities and costumes that celebrate African Heritage.
Feb. 18-19: “Queen & Slim”
Melina Matsoukas’ 2019 “Queen & Slim” features Jodie Turner-Smith as Queen and Daniel Kaluuya as Slim. The movie follows the two characters on their first tinder date, until they get pulled over on the drive home for a traffic violation. After the cop pulls his gun on Slim, the two act in self defense before going on the run.
The film is a commentary on police bias and brutality and has strong themes of trauma, terror, grief and pain. The events of the movie remind everyone that there is a lot more work to be done currently in regards to societal equality.
Feb. 25-26: “Just Mercy”
Directed by Destin Daniel Cretton and starring Michael B. Jordan and Jaime Fox, the 2019 film “Just Mercy” is based on the true story of civil rights defense attorney Bryan Stevenson. Stevenson, played by Jordan, plays a Harvard graduate who chooses to defend those wrongfully condemned or underrepresented.
The movie follows Stevenson’s life as he encounters racism and legal and political setbacks as he fights for justice. By telling his story, the film highlights the history and background of a prominent, Black modern activist. The themes addressed in the movie also aim to remind society of progress that has been made, but more importantly the work that still has to be done.