Higher Learning (1995)
Directed by John Singleton

Higher Learning is a progressive movie which takes on many 
political issues, including those which relate to gender, 
nation ("race"), class and sexual orientation. In some 
places it lends itself to a liberal individualist analysis. 
Overall, however, Higher Learning does more to promote an 
analysis of groups than a psychoanalysis of individuals. 
One of the best things about Higher Learning is its 
treatment of gender, particularly in relation to nation. 
Nation or "race" is correctly shown to be the principal 
contradiction, the one which provokes the most violent 
actions and reactions. Gender oppression's existence is 
demonstrated with a white-on-white date rape. Campus 
multiculturalism is correctly shown for the liberal gloss 
it is. A multicultural "Unity Fest" is a good excuse for a 
concert, but does nothing to prevent the reality of racist 
violence from crashing in. On the question of national 
oppression, Singleton tells the audience through the voice 
of a wise professor that if the oppressed want to seize 
power, they need to have a plan. The professor reminds us 
what Frederick Douglass said: "Without struggle, there is 
no progress."