'Glory' is a modern take on a civil rights song and the dream of a better world. The lyrics go: "Justice for all just ain't specific enough / One son died, his spirit is revisitin' us / True and livin' livin' in us, resistance is us / That's why Rosa sat on the bus / That's why we walk through Ferguson with our hands up."

15 / 31 Fotos

'Lean on Me' by Bill Withers -

Bill Withers shares a message of love, support, and unity in his 1972 classic 'Lean on Me.'

16 / 31 Fotos

'Respect' by Aretha Franklin -

Originally written by Otis Redding, 'Respect' is a high-energy soulful song that is perfect to celebrate Black History Month.

17 / 31 Fotos

'Freedom' by Beyoncé feat. Kendrick Lamar -

This liberation anthem from 2016 touches on racism and oppression, two common themes in Black American history.

18 / 31 Fotos

'They Don't Care About Us' by Michael Jackson -

MJ touches on the divisiveness, inequality, and human rights violations experienced by many people. Prejudice is part of Black history in America, and this song reflects this.

19 / 31 Fotos

'Freedom' by Pharrell Williams -

This liberating tune that encourages diversity has everyone singing along: "Man's red flower / It's in every living thing / Mind, use your power / Spirit, use your wings."

20 / 31 Fotos

'The Charade' by D'Angelo and the Vanguard -

'The Charade' is all about social justice and black activism. D'Angelo highlights the oppression of Black America in lines such as "Crawling through a systematic maze … Degradation so loud that you can’t hear the sound of our cries."

21 / 31 Fotos

'I Am Not My Hair' by India Arie -

The song is pretty self-explanatory. In case you have doubts, just read the lyrics: "I am not my hair / I am not this skin / I am the soul that lives within."

22 / 31 Fotos

'Umi Says' by Yasiin Bey -

'Umi Says' is about the generational hardships endured by black people. "I want black people to be free, to be free, to be free," he sings.

23 / 31 Fotos

'Q.U.E.E.N.' by Janelle Monae and Erykah Badu -

This song tries to deconstruct a number of stereotypes and misconceptions of marginalized groups. The acronyms stand for "queer," "untouchables," "emigrants," "excommunicated," and the "N" stands for those labeled with the n-word.

24 / 31 Fotos

'The Bigger Picture' by Lil Baby -

Inspired by the events surrounding the death of George Floyd, 'The Bigger Picture' is a Black Lives Matter anthem.

25 / 31 Fotos

'Wake Up Everybody' by Harold Melvin & The Blue Notes -

This wake-up call from 1975 still resonates with us to this day. "Wake up, everybody / No more sleepin' in bed / No more backward thinkin' / Time for thinkin' ahead / The world has changed so very much / From what it used to be / There is so much hatred / War and poverty," sing Harold Melvin & The Blue Notes.

26 / 31 Fotos

'Brotha' by Angie Stone -

Black men get some love and appreciation in this song by Angie Stone. The lyrics go: "He is my King, He is my one / Yes he's my father, Yes he's my son / I can talk to him, cuz he understands / Everything I go through and everything I am."

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'If I Ruled the World ' by Nas feat. Lauryn Hill -

Nas' song featuring Lauryn Hill dreams of a better world. "If I ruled the world (Imagine that) / I'd free all my sons — I love 'em, love 'em, baby / Black diamonds and pearls."

28 / 31 Fotos

'This Is America' by Childish Gambino -

Childish Gambino's Grammy-winning song addresses a number of issues affecting the Black community in the US, namely systemic racism and gun violence, among others.

29 / 31 Fotos

'Black Is Gold' by Wale -

Wale celebrates black women in this 2017 tune.

Sources: (Yard Barker) (BestColleges) (Voir) (One37pm)

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'Black Parade' by Beyoncé -

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'Alright' by Kendrick Lamar -

'Alright' is essentially a song about hope. Kendrick Lamar's 2015 tune was on heavy rotation in support of the Black Lives Matter movement.

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'Say It Loud – I'm Black and I'm Proud' by James Brown -

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'A Change Is Gonna Come' by Sam Cooke -

'A Change Is Gonna Come' was inspired by a discrimination episode lived by the singer at a motel in Louisiana. 'A Change Is Gonna Come' struck a chord with the Black community in 1964.

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'Fight the Power' by Public Enemy -

This protest song is part of the soundtrack of Spike Lee's 1989 film 'Do the Right Thing.' The song has a strong revolutionary feel to it. "We've got to fight the powers that be," say the lyrics.

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'Rise Up' by Andra Day -

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'Get Up, Stand Up' by Bob Marley & The Wailers -

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'Black Effect' by The Carters -

The Carters, aka Jay-Z and Beyoncé, released this anthem about black wealth in 2018. It's certainly one to sing along to in celebration of Black History Month.

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'Young, Gifted, and Black' by Nina Simone -

Nina Simone has a number of songs that should be added to a Black History Month playlist. 'Young, Gifted, and Black' is one of them, and so are 'Mississippi Goddam' and 'Sinnerman.'

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'What’s Going On' by Marvin Gaye -

'What’s Going On' is a protest song that touches on police brutality. The song epitomizes the struggles of Black America in 1971.

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'Strange Fruit' by Billie Holiday -

'Strange Fruit' was originally a poem by Jewish teacher Abel Meeropol. Billie Holiday's depiction of the lynching of Black people turned her into a target of the FBI.

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'Optimistic' by Sounds of Blackness -

This is such a hopeful song! Sing it out loud: "You can win as long as you keep your head to the sky."

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'Lift Every Voice and Sing' by the Boys Choir of Harlem -

Also known as the Black national Anthem, 'Lift Every Voice and Sing' has been interpreted by many artists over the years. The Boys Choir of Harlem sings a particularly beautiful version of it.

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'Talkin' Bout a Revolution' by Tracy Chapman -

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'Glory' by Common and John Legend -

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15 / 31 Fotos

'Lean on Me' by Bill Withers -

Bill Withers shares a message of love, support, and unity in his 1972 classic 'Lean on Me.'

Getty Images

16 / 31 Fotos

'Respect' by Aretha Franklin -

Originally written by Otis Redding, 'Respect' is a high-energy soulful song that is perfect to celebrate Black History Month.

Getty Images

17 / 31 Fotos

'Freedom' by Beyoncé feat. Kendrick Lamar -

This liberation anthem from 2016 touches on racism and oppression, two common themes in Black American history.

Getty Images

18 / 31 Fotos

'They Don't Care About Us' by Michael Jackson -

MJ touches on the divisiveness, inequality, and human rights violations experienced by many people. Prejudice is part of Black history in America, and this song reflects this.

Getty Images

19 / 31 Fotos

'Freedom' by Pharrell Williams -

This liberating tune that encourages diversity has everyone singing along: "Man's red flower / It's in every living thing / Mind, use your power / Spirit, use your wings."

Getty Images

20 / 31 Fotos

'The Charade' by D'Angelo and the Vanguard -

Getty Images

21 / 31 Fotos

'I Am Not My Hair' by India Arie -

The song is pretty self-explanatory. In case you have doubts, just read the lyrics: "I am not my hair / I am not this skin / I am the soul that lives within."

Getty Images

22 / 31 Fotos

'Umi Says' by Yasiin Bey -

'Umi Says' is about the generational hardships endured by black people. "I want black people to be free, to be free, to be free," he sings.

Getty Images

23 / 31 Fotos

'Q.U.E.E.N.' by Janelle Monae and Erykah Badu -

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24 / 31 Fotos

'The Bigger Picture' by Lil Baby -

Inspired by the events surrounding the death of George Floyd, 'The Bigger Picture' is a Black Lives Matter anthem.

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25 / 31 Fotos

'Wake Up Everybody' by Harold Melvin & The Blue Notes -

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26 / 31 Fotos

'Brotha' by Angie Stone -

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27 / 31 Fotos

'If I Ruled the World ' by Nas feat. Lauryn Hill -

Nas' song featuring Lauryn Hill dreams of a better world. "If I ruled the world (Imagine that) / I'd free all my sons — I love 'em, love 'em, baby / Black diamonds and pearls."

Getty Images

28 / 31 Fotos

'This Is America' by Childish Gambino -

Childish Gambino's Grammy-winning song addresses a number of issues affecting the Black community in the US, namely systemic racism and gun violence, among others.

Getty Images

29 / 31 Fotos

'Black Is Gold' by Wale -

Wale celebrates black women in this 2017 tune.

Sources: (Yard Barker) (BestColleges) (Voir) (One37pm)

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30 / 31 Fotos

Songs to celebrate Black History Month

From protest songs to upbeat anthems

12/02/25 | StarsInsider

MUSIC Playlist

Black History Month is here, and what better way to celebrate it than through music. Black music has shaped America. Without it, there would be no blues, no jazz, no rock 'n' roll, no rap, and so on. The hardships and prejudice suffered by African-Americans are portrayed through music, but so are their victories and pride.

In this gallery, we compile a playlist of songs that celebrate several aspects of the African-American experience. Click on and celebrate Black History Month with these great songs!