Spotlighting Black media

By Arman Saxena     2/18/25 10:37pm

This month is Black History Month — so what better time to engage with media highlighting members of the Black community in the United States and around the world? Here are some incredible works by Black artists that illustrate a small sliver of the diversity of the Black experience.

“Coin Coin Chapter One: Gens du Couleur Libres” by Matana Roberts 

Avant-garde composer and saxophonist Matana Roberts launched their Coin Coin series with a deeply personal and political work. Referencing the term “free people of color” in French, Roberts delves into family history, ancestral memory and the intertwined cultures of New Orleans. This experimental jazz record seamlessly weaves spoken word, dissonant improvisation and historical texts. 

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It’s a distinct listening experience that captures the spirit of resilience and innovation within Black communities — perfect for those who want a musical journey that goes beyond simple melodies and into the very foundation of Black American heritage.

“The Nickel Boys” by Colson Whitehead and “Nickel Boys” (2024)

Inspired by the real-life Dozier School for Boys in Florida, Colson Whitehead’s Pulitzer Prize-winning novel follows two Black teens who are sent to a juvenile reform school in the Jim Crow South. Intimate and heart-wrenching, it paints a picture of institutional racism and the scars it leaves behind. 

Whitehead’s masterful storytelling ensures this short but powerful read lingers long after you finish the last page. It’s a testament to the hidden histories of Black Americans that demand both recognition and redress. Ramell Ross’ 2024 film adaptation “Nickel Boys” is a masterpiece in and of itself, employing intimate first-person POV camerawork to tell a human story of defiance, brotherhood, and perseverance.

“Felix Ever After” by Kacen Callender 

If you’re craving a contemporary YA novel that examines the intersection of race, sexuality and gender identity, Kacen Callender has you covered. Felix Ever After follows the journey of a Black trans teen grappling with questions of identity, friendship and first love. 

Despite the transphobia Felix faces, the novel is infused with optimism, reminding readers that everyone deserves a happily ever after — especially those whose stories have been sidelined. It’s a poignant addition to the growing canon of diverse young adult literature, reflecting the multifaceted nature of Black life and love.

“Sambizanga” (1972)

A groundbreaking figure in African cinema, Sarah Maldoror brought the Angolan War of Independence to the screen in “Sambizanga.” The film follows a young Angolan woman’s quest to find her imprisoned husband, set against the backdrop of an anti-colonial uprising. 

With its focus on everyday people confronting the brutality of Portuguese rule, “Sambizanga” offers a powerful depiction of resistance and the price of liberation. Maldoror’s film not only champions a feminist perspective, but also stands as an enduring testament to the global fight for Black self-determination.

“The Fire Next Time” by James Baldwin 

James Baldwin remains one of the most essential voices on race in America, and “The Fire Next Time” is often held up as his seminal work. Published in 1963, the book (often considered a single extended essay) shares Baldwin’s reflections on racial injustice, religion and the power structures shaping Black life. 

Its title references a spiritual that warns of a cleansing fire — a fitting symbol for Baldwin’s urgent call for justice. Nearly sixty years on, his words remain strikingly relevant, offering a blueprint for a deeper understanding of racism’s psychological toll and how to counter it with empathy and love.

“Unknown Soldier” by Fela Kuti 

Nigerian musician and activist Fela Kuti was a pioneer of Afrobeat and an uncompromising critic of political corruption. Unknown Soldier, released in 1979, was Kuti’s response to the Nigerian military’s brutal attack on his commune. It’s simultaneously a tribute to his mother, who was killed in the attack. 

The record fuses propulsive rhythms with fierce denunciations of oppression, illustrating how music can be both a rallying cry and a historical document. If you’re looking to explore the ways Black artists around the globe have used their art to resist colonialism and systemic violence, look no further than this Afrobeat classic.

“Summer of Soul (…Or, When the Revolution Could Not Be Televised)” (2021)

Directed by Ahmir “Questlove” Thompson, Summer of Soul highlights rediscovered footage from the 1969 Harlem Cultural Festival, where legends like Nina Simone, Stevie Wonder and Sly & The Family Stone graced the stage. 

Often called the “Black Woodstock,” this festival was overshadowed by the era’s political climate, and subsequently forgotten. The documentary corrects that historical oversight, showcasing a vibrant celebration of Black art, community and resilience. It’s an absolute must-watch for anyone interested in the cultural pulse of the late ’60s.

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