One of the subjects we’ve been deeply fascinated with at The TRiiBE is the way Chicago’s history is depicted in film. Through our reported stories and The TRiiBE Guide 2021, we’ve learned that during the early 20th century, when Chicago was considered the Black Metropolis, the film and theater industries were thriving here.
Unfortunately because of targeted disenfranchisement and the persistent subjugation of Black folk in Chicago, we’ve lost most of that industry. Regardless, Chicago has remained a cultural hub for Black America and continues to host many of cinema’s most compelling Black narratives.
For this list, TRiiBE reporter Matt Harvey parses through some of Chicago’s most iconic placements in Black cinema and ranks them based on how accurately and creatively they depict Black Chicago.