Black History Month is an annual celebration of achievements by African Americans and a time for recognizing the central role of blacks in U.S. history. February is Black History Month, and to celebrate the contributions black poets have made, and continue to make, to the richness of American poetry, we asked eleven contemporary black poets from across the country at different stages in their writing lives, to choose one poem that should be read during Black History Month and to tell us a bit about why. There are newish tracks by Nas ("I Can," of course), Common ("A Song for Assata [Shakur]") and Big K.R.I.T. It is also a time for reflection and enlightenment, no matter your race, in hopes of promoting equality for everyone. Rap songs about black history may seem to be a thing of the past, a relic of the genre's 1980s-'90s Golden Age. (who imagines himself as a runaway slave in the B.B. But check the track listing before you dismiss this as another boring old-school playlist. As part of Billboard's Black History Month celebration, we've asked Black artists spanning all genres to compile their own unique playlist exclusive to Billboard's Spotify account. Black History Month is about celebrating the achievements of African Americans and recognizing the central role black people and black culture has played in the history of the United States. *If you enjoy these songs, get the reading activities based on them here! These Black History Month songs cover historical figures who have made a positive influence on Black history. Are you looking for an exciting, Black history musical that connects with students using rap music, has a variety of roles for boys and girls, and teaches Black history in a way that will wow your audience?You've just found it! TheGrio Facebook Instagram Linkedin RSS Twitter Youtube Black History Month offers teachers a wonderful opportunity to teach students about some of the great heroes in American history who are sometimes overlooked. Also Two of a Kind has recorded a number of songs about African American heroes including Black History Month: In 1979, the song ‘Rapper’s Delight’ introduced rap to a mass audience Teaching about history through music is an exciting and effective way to engage students. In honor of Black Music History Month, here are 25 songs that speak to music’s ability to evoke thought, dialogue and action.