A message from Graie Hagans, Vision Praxis Director at Bend the Arc:
Our partners at The Movement for Black Lives have reimagined Black History Month as Black Futures Month — a time to both celebrate Black history and look ahead to a radically just future.
In that spirit, I’m excited to share a new playlist I put together for our Bend the Arc community to reflect on this moment and rededicate ourselves to the sacred work of building a country that is truly for all of us. This collection of songs is a celebration of joy, hope, and reflection expressed by Black artists — a glimpse into what being in love with the future looks like.
At Bend the Arc, we’re committed to building a country where Black liberation is realized and all people are thriving. That means investing in Black Futures and Black love, in deep partnership and using all of our communal resources.
Check out our just-launched playlist for Black Futures Month now. May it be a soundtrack to your day, your work, and our movements for justice — not just this month, but into the future we're building together.
Click here to open the playlist on Spotify. If you're not a Spotify user, you can find the full list of songs below to add on your preferred streaming platform.
L'shalom,
Graie Hagans
Vision Praxis Director, Bend the Arc
Bend the Arc: Jewish Action Presents: A Love Letter to Black Futures
Build Black Futures
Freedom Futures Collective, Black Youth Project 100, Fresco Steez, Onraé Lateal
Build Black Futures
Jonathan Lykes, Elle Hearns, Fresco Steez
When We Jump
Jai’Len Josey
Soon
Blackmagic, Tems
Isn’t She Lovely
Stevie Wonder
You
Jesse Powell, Gerald Albright
Fellowship
serpentwithfeet
Antidote
Nao, Adekunle Gold
Soulmate (Heartstrings)
MMYYKK
Feeling Good
Nina Simone
I Wanna Dance with Somebody (Who Loves Me)
Whitney Houston
Golden
Jill Scott
At Your Best (You Are Love)
Aaliyah
Turn Your Lights Down Low
Bob Marley & The Wailers, Ms. Lauryn Hill
Something To Say
Michaela Jaé
Rhythm Nation
Janet Jackson
Big
Tank and The Bangas, Big Freedia
WHITNEY
Gavin Turek
You Want My Love
Earth, Wind & Fire, Lucky Daye
Beautiful Surprise
India.Arie
All For You
Janet Jackson
Black Magic
Sonia Sanchez
Chant To Mother Earth
BLO
Never Catch Me
Flying Lotus, Kendrick Lamar
What You Deserve
Femme It Forward, Ambré
Izudown
Chloe Hotline, MALIK!
How Deep Is Your Love
PJ Morton
I Am America
Shea Diamond
Migos Spirituals Prt.1
Def Sound
Came To Give Love (Outro)
Aaliyah (feat. Timbaland)