Ryan Coogler's 'Sinners' Pays Tribute to Black Chicago

The Oscar-nominated film explores the Great Migration's broken promises through the story of twin brothers.

Published on Feb. 25, 2026

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Ryan Coogler's horror blockbuster 'Sinners' is the story of the Smokestack twins, brothers returning to the Jim Crow south after looking for fortune and freedom in Chicago. The film makes many references to Chicago, as well as its music and culture, in this unforgiving examination of Black America during the first wave of the Great Migration.

Why it matters

The film 'Sinners' provides a powerful exploration of the challenges and struggles faced by Black Americans who migrated from the South to cities like Chicago during the Great Migration, highlighting the broken promises and harsh realities they encountered.

The details

In 'Sinners,' actor Michael B. Jordan portrays twin brothers Elias 'Stack' and Elijah 'Smoke' Moore, who leave the Jim Crow South in search of a better life in Chicago. The film delves into the city's blues music scene and the violence that plagued Black communities during this era, offering a grim yet compelling look at the Great Migration experience.

  • The film 'Sinners' was released in 2026 and has been nominated for several Oscars.

The players

Ryan Coogler

The director of 'Sinners,' who has paid tribute to Black Chicago and the Great Migration experience through his filmmaking.

Michael B. Jordan

The actor who portrays the twin brothers Elias 'Stack' and Elijah 'Smoke' Moore in the film 'Sinners.'

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What they’re saying

“Ryan Coogler's horror blockbuster 'Sinners' is the story of the Smokestack twins, brothers returning to the Jim Crow south after looking for fortune and freedom in Chicago.”

— Sasha-Ann Simons, WBEZ Journalist (wbez.org)

The takeaway

Through the powerful storytelling of 'Sinners,' director Ryan Coogler has shone a light on the complex and often tragic experiences of Black Americans who migrated from the South to cities like Chicago during the Great Migration, offering a poignant tribute to their struggles and resilience.