'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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'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.
'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."
'Lean on Me' by Bill Withers - Bill Withers shares a message of love, support, and unity in his 1972 classic 'Lean on Me.'
'Respect' by Aretha Franklin - Originally written by Otis Redding, 'Respect' is a high-energy soulful song that is perfect to celebrate Black History Month.
'Freedom' by Beyoncé feat. Kendrick Lamar - This liberation anthem from 2016 touches on racism and oppression, two common themes in Black American history.
'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."
'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.
'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.
'Black Is Gold' by Wale - Wale celebrates black women in this 2017 tune.