Race/Related: Looking for the best in Black cinema? Try Brown Sugar.

The streaming service highlights some of the finest movies starring, and often directed by, Black artists.

View in browser|nytimes.com August 2, 2024 Clockwise from top left: Arthur Agee in "Hoop Dreams"; Jimmy Cliff in "The Harder They Come"; Lisa Lee in "Beat Street"; and Richard Pryor and Billy Dee Williams in "Hit!" Clockwise from top left: Kartemquin Films; Shout! Factory; Orion Pictures; Paramount Pictures By Jason Bailey The streaming service highlights some of the finest movies starring, and often directed by, Black artists. As the name-brand streaming services struggle to show profits and broker cable-esque bundling packages to cut costs, the most successful streamers are proving to be niche services, which curate specialized libraries for a specific target audience. We've spotlighted several such streamers in this space, most of them focusing on clearly defined genres or sensibilities; this month, we look at a service with an eye on one particular culture. Brown Sugar, which started in 2016, promises on its site "hit movies and TV shows along with the largest collection of classic Black cinema, uncut and commercial-free." Its library features programming about the Black experience, predominately by Black creators, and aimed primarily at Black audiences (while recognizing that those audiences are seeking all sorts of entertainment). There is a robust selection of Black cinema from the 1970s, the vaunted blaxploitation era, including titles from Ossie Davis, Rudy Ray Moore and Richard Roundtree, as well as cult titles like "The Harder They Come" and "Putney Swope," and '80s favorites like "Hollywood Shuffle" and "Beat Street." That era initially dominated the service's library, but it has since broadened its offerings to include more contemporary romantic comedies, action thrillers, heartwarming dramas, and historical and true crime documentaries. It's also cultivated a partnership with Bounce TV that gives viewers access to such long-running and popular shows as the soap opera "Saints & Sinners," the rags-to-riches sitcom "Family Time" and the barbershop-set comedy "In the Cut." Subscription is a bargain, running only $3.99 per month (after a one-week free trial) or $42 for a year. Brown Sugar is available on desktop and a variety of streaming devices, including Roku, Apple TV and Amazon Fire. Image quality varies wildly — some films and shows are Blu-ray quality, but occasional older and less-cared-for titles may well have been mastered from VHS. But it's worth the risk for the hidden gems the service offers. Clockwise from top left: Kartemquin Films; Shout! Factory; Orion Pictures; Paramount Pictures See our recommendations → EDITORS' PICKS We publish many articles that touch on race. Here are a few you shouldn't miss. Bettmann/Getty Images From Harlem to Selma to Paris, James Baldwin's Life in Pictures An exploration of the long arc of Baldwin's career, on what would have been the 100th birthday of the author of "Giovanni's Room" and "The Fire Next Time." By Elizabeth A. Harris Ben Hickey How Well Do You Know These Works of the Harlem Renaissance? Try this short quiz about the vibrant cultural movement that came together a century ago — and continues to be influential. By J. D. Biersdorfer Brandon Bell/Getty Images Harris's Huge Sorority Gets to Work on Her Behalf The women of Black organizations are a significant political force. By Brent Staples Pool photo by Esa Alexander news analysis Olympic Ceremony Put a Changing France on Full Display Aya Nakamura, the French Malian singer, did more than open the Games. She redefined what it means to be French. By Roger Cohen Andre D. Wagner for The New York Times Meshell Ndegeocello Could Have Had Stardom but Chose Music Instead The bassist, singer and composer's 1993 debut jolted the industry — then she decided to change. Now she is releasing a powerful album inspired by James Baldwin. By Wesley Morris Erin Scott for The New York Times The Lesser-Known Side of Harris's Identity: Asian American Some Asian American leaders are rooting for Kamala Harris to become the first Asian American president. But she is not widely known as Asian American, reflecting the complexity of the identity. By Amy Qin Invite your friends. Invite someone to subscribe to the Race/Related newsletter. Or email your thoughts and suggestions to racerelated@nytimes.com. Need help? Review our newsletter help page or contact us for assistance. You received this email because you signed up for Race/Related from The New York Times. To stop receiving Race/Related, unsubscribe. To opt out of other promotional emails from The Times, including those regarding The Athletic, manage your email settings. To opt out of updates and offers sent from The Athletic, submit a request. Subscribe to The TimesGet The New York Times app Connect with us on: Change Your EmailPrivacy PolicyContact UsCalifornia Notices The New York Times Company. 620 Eighth Avenue New York, NY 10018