Black History Month 2025 is here! Some folks in America aren’t interested in celebrating since everything is so incredibly divisive these days. But honoring this incredible month is still the move for those of us who care about morals, equality, and being on the right side of history.
The purpose of Black History Month is to reflect on the history of African-American culture in the United States. There are several movies to watch and loads of music to listen to while celebrating. We rounded up some of the most attention-grabbing and thought-provoking options for you.
Black Panther (2018)
Black Panther is an epic action movie that makes you feel powerful by simply watching it. It stars the late Chadwick Boseman as T’Challa, the titular character who’s preparing to take his rightful seat as the leader of Wakanda. This exceptional movie is perfect during Black History Month – doesn’t matter if you’re a diehard fan of superhero movies or not.
“Brown Skin Girl” by Beyonce and Blue Ivy Carter
Beyonce linked up with her daughter, Blue Ivy Carter, and a couple of other super-talented musicians to collaborate on the song “Brown Skin Girl.” WizKid and SAINt JHN are also featured on the 2019 track that fits flawlessly into The Lion King movie soundtrack.
The Women King (2022)
Viola Davis was a dominating force in The Women King, which premiered in 2022. Set in the 1800s, the film focuses on female warriors fighting to protect their African kingdom from enemy threats. Viola’s fierce passion in this movie landed her the NAACP Image Award for Outstanding Actress in a Motion Picture. Her performance was phenomenal.
“Say It Loud – I’m Black and I’m Proud” by James Brown
It’s pretty obvious that James Brown’s iconic song “Say It Loud – I’m Black and I’m Proud” would hit this list. This song gave Black people permission to feel proud of their ethnicity, culture, and personal narratives. The song hit radio stations in 1968 and – decades later – still gets blasted at its highest volume during Black History Month year after year.
Miss Juneteenth (2020)
Miss Juneteenth (2020) is a lovely drama that follows the life of a single mother who participated in beauty pageants in her youth. Now, it’s up to her to help her teenage daughter come out on top in her own Miss Juneteenth pageant. This movie highlights the story behind our nation’s celebration of Juneteenth.
“Where is the Love?” by Black Eyed Peas
The Black Eyed Peas ate and left no crumbs when they released “Where is the Love?” This was the first major song to put the Black Eyed Peas on the map in 2003. The heartfelt lyrics in this song are all about unifying people around the world – no matter what their differences are.
Selma (2014)
Selma is a 2014 historical drama about Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.’s activism. The movie stars David Oyelowo, Oprah Winfrey, and Cuba Gooding Jr. and tells the story of Dr. King’s transformative work during the Civil Rights movement of the 60s.
“Keep Ya Head Up” by Tupac Shakur
Tupac Shakur’s songs were a rallying cry and a beacon of hope to the Black community while he was alive, and they resonate even more so today. In 1983, he released “Keep Ya Head Up” – a stark reminder that no matter what adversity you might face, there’s a chance things will brighten up.
Till (2022)
The life and death of 14-year-old Emmett Till is a tragedy. He was brutally lynched in 1955 during a family trip to visit his loved ones in Mississippi. Till premiered in 2022, telling the story of Emmett’s mother’s heartache, suffering, and pain following his murder. The death brought attention to racial violence and injustice – inspiring a generation of activists
“Alright” by Kendrick Lamar
In 2015, Kendrick Lamar hit the studio to record “Alright.“ This song was a common anthem to bump during the George Floyd/Black Lives Matter protests in 2020. Kendrick won multiple awards for “Alright,” including two Grammys. An apt tune to play all through Black History Month.
12 Years a Slave (2013)
12 Years a Slave hit theaters in 2013 is a heartbreaking historical drama about a free black man from upstate New York who was kidnapped and sold into slavery in the South. Based on a true story, the storyline follows Solomon Northup’s 12-year battle to become a free man again.
“Sky’s the Limit” by The Notorious B.I.G.
One of the most legendary songs from the Notorious B.I.G. is “Sky’s the Limit.” The iconic rapper released the track in 1997 to provide hope to his listeners. The song reminds people who are facing adversity that it’s crucial to stick to your dreams, no matter how unattainable they might seem.
The Color Purple (2023)
The Color Purple was originally released in 1985, but an updated version premiered in 2023. The second version stars Halle Bailey, Fantasia Barrino, Taraji P. Henson, Whoopi Goldberg, and Colman Domingo. Celie lives in the American South during the early 1900s. She struggles with her abusive husband and eventually finds real love. People may want to watch both versions and compare.
“This is America” by Childish Gambino
Childish Gambino (real name Donald Glover) certainly rubbed some people the wrong way when he released “This is America” in 2018. This powerful song claps back against gun violence, systematic racism, and present-day prejudice. This banger was also a common song played during Black Lives Matter protests.
Fruitvale Station (2013)
Michael B. Jordan starred in Fruitvale Station in 2013. Rated-R, this crime thriller focuses on a 22-year-old Black man named Oscar Grant who was tragically and unlawfully killed during an altercation with police officers. This movie is based on the gut-wrenching true story of what happened to the real-life Oscar Grant in 2008 when he was simply trying to get home to his family.
“Lift Me Up” by Rihanna
Rihanna released “Lift Me Up” for the movie soundtrack for Black Panther: Wakanda Forever (2022). The song was awarded the NAACP Image Award for Outstanding Music Video – and rightfully so! The lyrics are encouraging, warm, heartfelt, and beautiful. Written as a tribute to Chadwick Boseman, it serves as an inspiration to people on healing journeys.
Hidden Figures (2016)
Hidden Figures (2016) is a brilliant movie to watch during Black History Month since it tells the story of three whip-smart Black women who worked at NASA in the 1960s. The magnificent film highlights the mathematical contributions (they were called “human computers”) of trailblazers Katherine Johnson, Dorothy Vaughan, and Mary Jackson.
“One Love” by Bob Marley
One of Bob Marley‘s biggest songs of all time – “One Love” – originally released in 1965. Bob Marley was constantly preaching messages of unification, friendship, forgiveness, and love. It’s no wonder “One Love” – and other songs from Bob – are integral to Black History Month playlists.
Loving (2016)
Loving (2016) is a romantic drama that tells the story of an interracial couple who fell for each other in 1958. Based on an actual legal battle that Richard and Mildred Loving brought against Virginia that went all the way to the Supreme Court.
They simply wanted to enjoy their marriage in peace, but racism was at an all-time high. A unanimous Court struck down state laws banning marriage between individuals of different races. Richard and Mildred paved the way for interracial couples, so this is a must-watch this Black History Month.
“Black Rage” by Lauryn Hill
One thing about Lauryn Hill is that she will always make her opinions known. Lauryn has a reputation for speaking her mind in her music. She released “Black Rage” in 2012 as a protest track. The song doubles as a spoken word poem and reflects on the history of racism in the United States. Lauryn’s passion is meant to create awareness and evoke change.
The Rosa Parks Story (2002)
The Rosa Parks Story (2002) features Angela Bassett as Rosa Parks’ role in the Montgomery bus boycott in 1955. The movie explores Parks’ life and the events that led to her arrest for refusing to give up her bus seat to a white man in 1955. Often called the mother of the civil rights movement, Rosa constantly went head-to-head against racism and segregation to defend people of color. There are times when one small act can change the world.
This Black History Month, these films and songs will inspire you to get out there and change things.
