Black History Month is meant to be a time to encourage people to focus their historical hindsight on the contributions that people of African descent have made to this country. Black History Month originally begin in 1926 as Negro History Week. It was created by Carter G. Woodson and took place during the second week of February. In 1976, it was expanded into a full month. Celebrating Black History Month creates an awareness for all people, and reminds us that Black history is Our history.
In honor of Black History Month (as it comes to a close), the Love & Struggle team put together our list of songs and books that exemplify the culture, the struggle and the life of Black folks. The following songs and books are significant to Black History Month for their message, their music and their significance in the Black community.
~ Love & Struggle
**What’s your list of songs and books? Leave us a comment below with the songs and books that exemplify what Black History Month means to you!
stacydanette:
SONGS:
1)“Strange Fruit” by Billie Holiday (and covered by many)
2)“A Change is Gonna Come” by Sam Cooke
3)“The Ghetto” by Donny Hathaway
4)“Say It Loud – I’m Black And I’m Proud” by James Brown
5)“All the Stars” Kendrick Lamar and SZA
BOOKS:
1) For Colored Girls Who Have Considered Suicide / When the Rainbow Is Enuf by Ntozake Shange
2) The Color Purple by Alice Walker
3) The Fire Next Time by James Baldwin
4) Black Boy: A Record of Childhood and Youth by Richard Wright
5) Stamped From the Beginning: The Definitive History of Racist Ideas in America by Ibram X. Kendi
C5Damaninnq:
SONGS:
1) We’re a Winner – the Impressions
2) Wake up Everybody – Harold Melvin and the Blue Notes
3) I Wish I Knew How it feels to be Free – Nina Simone
4) I don’t want nobody to give me nothing – James Brown
5) Living for the city – Stevie Wonder
BOOKS:
1) Autobiography of Malcolm X – Alex Haley
2) Soledad Brother – George Jackson
3) Die Nigger Die – H. Rap Brown
4) Miseducation of the Negro – Carter G. Woodson
abilus:
SONGS:
2) We Are One – Maze ft. Frankie Beverly
3) O-O-H Child – The Five Stairsteps
4) What’s Going On – Marvin Gaye
5) Glory – Common and John Legend
BOOKS:
2) The New Jim Crow: Mass Incarceration in the Age of Colorblindness – Michelle Alexander
3) The Debt: What America Owes to Blacks – Randall Robinson
4) Post-Traumatic Slave Syndrome – Dr. Joy DeGruy
5) Nigga Notes & Quotes – Dia Damani (limited print run)