Because Of Them We Can
https://www.becauseofthemwecan.com/
By BOTWC Staff
We don’t know about you, but we absolutely love the holidays. While some people struggle around this time, and we have resources for those, many of us are able to find joy in the things that come during the latter months. It’s something about the weather change, cozy vibes, and family gatherings that cheer us up! After an entire year of giving it the best that we’ve got, the 4th quarter marks a bit of a shift where we get to wind down, reflect on things we’ve accomplished, knock out our last bit of goals and sit back and take it all in.
While we’re roasting chestnuts on an open fire or preparing our Thanksgiving dinner to the voice of Mariah Carey in the background, others may need a little bit more to get in the mood. Depending on where you live, the weather may take a while to change, or it just may not feel like the holidays and you need just a little boost. No matter what you’re dealing with, nothing says the holidays like a good family movie. To add to everyone’s list, here are 9 classic Black movies that are sure to get you in the holiday spirit:
Fat Albert’s Christmas Special (1977)
This oldie but goodie is a must-see for the kids. Follow Fat Albert and his junkyard gang as they rehearse their Christmas play. When Mr. Tyrone threatens to shut things down, a series of fortunate events and a surprise newborn baby warm the junkyard owner’s mean old heart.
The Kid Who Loved Christmas (1990)
Produced by Eddie Murphy and starring Sammy Davis Jr. and Cicely Tyson, this holiday film follows a young orphan who fights to stay with his adopted father after a tragic accident resulting in the mother’s death.
The Preacher’s Wife (1996)
A holiday classic starring Whitney Houston and Denzel Washington, this story features an amazing soundtrack and follows a beloved pastor who is visited by an angel that helps him keep his family together and his church open.
Friday After Next (2002)
You are sure to get a laugh out of this one. The third installment in the Friday franchise, this one follows Craig and Day-Day after the hood Santa Claus steals all of their rent money. In order to stay in their apartment, they get jobs as mall security guards for the holiday before deciding to throw one hilarious Christmas rent party.
The Last Holiday (2006)
A personal favorite, Queen Latifah and LL Cool J do not miss in this one. Latifah plays the quiet and unassuming character of Georgia Byrd, who spends her days doing cookware demonstrations in a department store and dreaming of the life she imagines for herself one day. When she learns that she is terminally ill, she immediately goes on a bucket list journey to make sure she gets the most out of life.
This Christmas (2007)
We love love love this movie! A great holiday movie, this one has a star-studded cast including Regina King, Loretta Devine, Lauren London, Delroy Lindo, Chris Brown, Columbus Short, Sharon Leal, Laz Alonso, Mekhi Phifer, and Idris Elba. When the Whitfield family get together for the holidays after years apart, they bring their baggage too. Just when you thought everything was going wrong, the family steps in to make it right. You’re sure to catch all the feels with this amazing cast, but you’ll also love the music!
The Best Man Holiday (2013)
The gang’s all back together for the sequel to the classic 90s film, The Best Man. This time the old college friends reunite just in time for the holidays. Get ready to laugh and get your tissues out!
Black Nativity (2013)
A musical delight, this film tells the story of a Baltimore teen who heads to NYC to spend the holidays with estranged relatives. But dealing with their strict rules sends him on a winding journey that is both daunting and inspirational.
Jingle Jangle: A Christmas Journey (2020)
A newer film but an instant classic in our book, this one had us all in our feels when it released during the pandemic. This enchanting holiday film tells the story of a once-successful toy maker who loses his Christmas joy when his prized invention is stolen. Years later, his adventurous granddaughter sets out on a journey to make sure the wrongs are made right.
Happy holidays family!
9 classic Black movies that’ll get you in the holiday spirit. Photo Courtesy of IMDB.com
