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Netflix launches Black Lives Matter category to amplify Black storytelling

11 June 2020, 12:48

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By Katie Louise Smith

"When we say 'Black Lives Matter,' we also mean 'Black storytelling matters'."

After viewers' interest in films and TV shows that highlight racial injustice following the Black Lives Matter protests in the US and across the world, Netflix has now added a Black Lives Matter genre to its platform.

In a tweet announcing the category, Netflix said: "When we say 'Black Lives Matter,' we also mean 'Black storytelling matters. With an understanding that our commitment to true, systemic change will take time – we're starting by highlighting powerful and complex narratives about the Black experience."

"When you log onto Netflix today, you will see a carefully curated list of titles that only begin to tell the complex and layered stories about racial injustice and Blackness in America."

In a statement to Entertainment Weekly, a Netflix spokesperson also added: "The Black Lives Matter collection speaks to racial injustice and the Black experience in America – and we hope that highlighting these titles can help increase empathy and understanding."

When we say “Black Lives Matter,” we also mean “Black storytelling matters.”

With an understanding that our commitment to true, systemic change will take time – we're starting by highlighting powerful and complex narratives about the Black experience.
— Netflix (@netflix) June 10, 2020

When you log onto Netflix today, you will see a carefully curated list of titles that only begin to tell the complex and layered stories about racial injustice and Blackness in America. https://t.co/dN6XQmsrGK pic.twitter.com/3CIrrno6mw
— Netflix (@netflix) June 10, 2020

There's currently 47 films, TV shows, documentaries and Stand-Up specials in the collection, including: 13th, When They See Us, Dear White People, Who Killed Malcolm X?, Pose, American Son, Homecoming: A film by Beyoncé, Mudbound, She's Gotta Have It, Strong Island, Fruitvale Station, Orange Is The New Black, Michelle Obama's Becoming, Seven Seconds and Self Made: Inspired by the Life of Madam C. J. Walker.

To find the category (if it doesn't show up on your home page), click either 'Series' or 'Films' at the top of the page. Select 'Genres' and it will appear at the top of the list. You can also simply type 'Black Lives Matter Netflix' into Google.

Better yet, you can find the full list here, at netflix.com/blacklivesmatter.

Netflix adds Black Lives Matter category to its platform. Picture: Netflix

The new and easily accessible genre addition comes shortly after viewers flocked to the platform to watch The Help. The film has been widely criticised, as it is told through the perspective of a white character and doesn't focus on the voices of the Black characters.

Viola Davis, who starred as Aibileen Clark in the film, previously expressed her regret in taking on the role. In 2018, she explained to the New York Times: "I just felt that at the end of the day that it wasn’t the voices of the maids that were heard."

Bryce Dallas Howard, who also appeared in the film, suggested a list of films that centre Black voices, stories, and creators instead.