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)