Of the People: The Women of the Civil Rights Movement

Of The People: The Women Of The Civil Rights Movement shines a light on the often-overlooked women whose courage and leadership shaped one of the most transformative eras in American history. While names like Martin Luther King Jr. and Malcolm X dominate popular narratives, this work centers the voices and stories of women who organized, strategized, and sacrificed to dismantle segregation and secure voting rights. From grassroots activists to national leaders, these women such as Ella Baker, Fannie Lou Hamer, Septima Clark, and Dorothy Height fought not only against racial injustice but also gender discrimination within the movement itself.

Directed by Shayla Milan, Of the People: The Women of the Civil Rights Movement leans on a strong ensemble — Fannie Lou Hamer, Aja Monet, Elaine Brown — to carry a story that balances spectacle with character.

The film landed with audiences for its craft and performances, and remains one of the most talked-about documentary titles of 2026.