3 Black Actors Every Teen Should Know

To most, Black History Month is all about celebrating people of the African/African-American culture who have accomplished great things. Jahmal Watkins, an Eastside Junior, told me, “Black History Month means remembrance and empowerment. Also respecting my ancestors.” These great figures can range from athletes, historical figures, politicians, or even an average person who, one day, decided to change the world. This article will cover three very famous black actors, one of which is also a groundbreaking director.

Samuel L. Jackson

“If you have an opportunity to use your voice you should use it.”

Samuel L. Jackson is a legendary actor who grew up in Tennessee. He has been featured in approximately 125 movies, his most notable ones being Pulp Fiction, The Incredibles, and multiple Marvel movies. He’s worked among Quentin Tarantino, Joss Whedon, and the Russo Brothers who are directors of his most famous movies. Earlier in his career, he was a stand-in for Bill Cosby in The Cosby Show and was mentored by Morgan Freeman

Morgan Freeman

“I don’t want Black History Month. Black History is American History.”

Morgan Freeman, who was also born in Tennessee, has become such a respected actor that some refer to him as a cinema God. Many people know him for his narration in movies such as War Of The Worlds and The Shawshank Redemption, in which he also played the leading role. He’s worked alongside Christian Bale in the Dark Knight films and Brad Pitt in Seven. Morgan Freeman strongly believes that there shouldn’t be a Black History Month because it ties too much into American History, he thinks that they are essentially the same.

Jordan Peele

“Racism comes in many different forms. Sometimes it’s subtle, and sometimes it’s overt … It’s something that I think we’re all guilty of, and we just have to make sure that we deal with our own personal racism in the right way.”

Jordan Peele is an American-born writer, actor, comedian, and director. He directed the critically acclaimed film Get Out in 2017 which became the most profitable film of that year. Alongside Keegan-Michael Key, he created and starred in the film Keanu and Key And Peele, a comedy show that revolves around skits. Later in 2019, not only will his new film, Us, be released but he will also star as the host and narrator in The Twilight Zone, releasing on April 1 this year.