By ASHLEY NASH BALTAZAR
From Nina Simone to John Legend, Black artists have been making ballads to which we've marched, cried, triumphed and smiled. Here are 10 of our favorites that are soon to be yours.
There are no better words or song to open up this Black History Month playlist. Nina Simone said it best, in celebration of our history, abilities, the depth and brightness of our skin.
In this Marvin Gaye ballad, the singer speaks to the overwhelming fight for equality and the importance of coming together. A timeless treasure!
Now that the question of what's going on has been asked, a better one is what're we going to do about it. The revolutionary Bob Marley emboldens his listeners to get up.
Hope and faith are required on this trip to victory. In this song, The Five Stairsteps point toward a better future. They also remind us that the future is now.
Along the same lines, Public Enemy narrows our focus on how to take action via instructional rap lyrics. There's no guessing on what to do or who to take it up with.
Emphasis on royalty, Queen Latifah also reminds us of the importance of doing it together as a community. Progress is a group effort that requires true togetherness.
Singer-songwriter across genres, Beyoncé calls our attention to our power. There's power in the community and in the individual. Stepping into it is a requirement.
Respected hip hop artist Kendrick Lamar sheds light on the everyday struggles of Black and marginalized people everywhere. He also reminds us that we shall overcome.
Both a personal and a power anthem, this song by Andra Day inspires us to rise to the occasion of advocating for ourselves and others.
Known to our elders as a place and thing, Common and John Legend sum up the entirety of Black History in this melody. The song addresses our past, present and future.