![(“Chadwick Boseman: Portrait of an Artist” is a new documentary exploring the late artists’ admirable commitment to his artistry. [Netflix])](https://static.wixstatic.com/media/b099de_2f9576184dfb48669a686c5b9d028cfa~mv2.png/v1/fill/w_49,h_28,al_c,q_85,usm_0.66_1.00_0.01,blur_2,enc_auto/b099de_2f9576184dfb48669a686c5b9d028cfa~mv2.png)
Maybe by this point in the pandemic you’ve run out of shows to watch. No worries—we have you covered! April has a number of new releases that offer themes from the horrors of white supremacy to the artistry of Hollywood legends. Check out what you can tune into this month:
“Concrete Cowboy” on Netflix (April 2) This movie follows a rebellious teenager by the name of Cole (Caleb McLaughlin), who was sent to live with his father (Idris Elba) for the summer in Philadelphia. Cole learns his father is a cowboy and learns about this community during his stay with his father. This film tells the history of Black cowboys and cowgirls in America. With stunning cinematography, this movie captures the beauty of the actors, actresses, their horses, and their community. In the presence of education, relationships, and love for community and animals, this movie gives a clear and genuine picture of a Black community. Also, this movie is based on reality. If you are ever in north Philadelphia, it will not be strange seeing a horse on Philly’s urban streets.
“Robin Roberts Presents: Mahalia” on Lifetime (April 3) The talented Danielle Brooks embodies legendary gospel singer Mahalia Jackson in this inspiring life story. If you are a lover of gospel music or historian of the civil rights movement, then this movie is for you. It portrays the life of Mahalia Jackson through her faith in God, love, music, and support during the civil rights movement. This movie spans 40 years, starting with Jackson’s life as a young girl from Louisiana to her adult life, where she creates her own gospel genre, experiences love and loss, and positively impacts those who listen to her sing.
“Them” on Amazon Prime (April 9) It is hard to fight racism and supernatural forces at the same time. From the mind of Jordan Peele who gave us “Get Out” in 2017, “Them” follows the Emerson family as they move from North Carolina to Los Angeles. This movie will give you the same goosebumps as Peele’s other work, as the Emerson’s become the first Black family to move to East Compton. In ten episodes, this thriller, set in the 1950s, explores the terror of white supremacy in America, where racism is ingrained in the heart and soul of white, suburban neighborhoods.
“Dad Please Stop Embarrassing Me” on Netflix (April 14) This comedy series stars Kyla-Drew, Jamie Foxx, and David Alan Grier. Brian (Jamie Foxx) plays a single father who gets full custody of his daughter Sasha (Kyla-Drew), who then moves in with him. While they are getting to know each other, Brian begins to have a more active role in daughter’s life. Through this experience, they will build a healthy father and daughter relationship through comedy, love, and engaging with each other at home.
“Chadwick Boseman: Portrait of an Artist” on Netflix (April 17) This 20-minute documentary pays tribute to the late Chadwick Boseman. Actors and actresses pay homage to him through conversations where they reflect on Boseman’s commitment to and love of his work that showed his true artistry as an actor.
This article was contributed to by LaTanya Lane, Special Projects Editor at the Lighthouse.