Black History Month is here and began with a bang this morning on Twitter. To continue this month of peak blackness, here is a compilation of 29 songs for each day to inspire, admire, and reflect upon why Black History Month is so vital.
1. “Love’s In Need of Love Today” – Stevie Wonder
2. “I Don’t Feel No Ways Tired” – James Cleveland
3. “Someday We’ll All Be Free” – Donny Hathaway
4. “Mississippi Goddam” – Nina Simone
5. “People Get Ready” – The Impressions
6. “Lean On Me” – Bill Withers
7. “I Wish I Knew How It Feels To Be Free” – Nina Simone
8. “Long Walk to D.C.” – The Staple Sisters
9. “Lift Ev’ry Voice and Sing” – Ray Charles
10. “We Shall Not Be Moved” – Mavis Staples
11. “A Change Is Gone Come” – Sam Cooke
12. “Ain’t Gonna Let Nobody Turn Me Around” – Sweet Honey In the Rock
13. “The Revolution Will Not Be Televised” – Gil Scott Heron
14. “Eyes On the Prize” – Sweet Honey In The Rock
15. “Strange Fruit” – Billie Holiday
16. “Say It Loud, I’m Black and I’m Proud” – James Brown
17. “Oh Freedom” – Golden Gospel Singers
18. “Respect” – Otis Redding
19. “To Be Young, Gifted, And Black” – Donny Hathaway
20. “Woke Up This Morning” – SNCC Freedom Singers
21. “Fight the Power” – Public Enemy
22. “What’s Going On” – Marvin Gaye
23. “Beasts of No Nation” – Fela Kuti
24. “Glory” – John Legend and Common
25. “Message From A Black Man” – The Temptations
26. “Is It Because I’m Black” – Syl Johnson
27. “The Selma March” – Grant Green
28. “Alabama” – John Coltrane
29. “From The Plantation to the Penitentiary” – Wynton Marsalis
