Best Black History
Tyehimba Jess’s *Olio* is a 2016 poetry collection exploring the lives and legacies of Black musicians within American minstrel shows during the nineteenth century. The work gained significant recognition with the Pulitzer Prize for General Nonfiction, highlighting its innovative use of historical r...
This act dismantled decades of systematic disenfranchisement, particularly in the South, by banning discriminatory voting practices like literacy tests and poll taxes. It was crucial for ensuring that African Americans could actually exercise their constitutional right to vote. Its passage dramatica...
Bring in 'da Noise, Bring in 'da Funk is a 1995 musical revue that opened on Broadway the following year, conceived and directed by George C. Wolfe. The production utilized the choreography and tap dancing of Savion Glover to chronicle the African American experience from the era of slavery to the m...
Why this score?
Landmark Tony-winning production acclaimed for Savion Glover's choreography, historical force, theatrical invention, and electrifying ensemble work.
Scoring methodology
This collection of writings and recollections documents the radical transformation of Malcolm Xfrom a street hustler to a powerful voice for Black empowerment, and finally, to a man of global perspective. It is a vital, uncompromising text on identity, systemic racism, and the evolution of political...
On the Bus with Rosa Parks is a 1999 poetry collection by American poet Rita Dove, who served as U.S. Poet Laureate from 1993 to 1995. The collection intertwines personal memory and family history with references to the American civil rights movement, including the figure of Rosa Parks. It was a fin...
Why this score?
National Book Award finalist and enduring Lucille Clifton collection; celebrated for compression, historical memory, accessibility, and moral clarity.
Scoring methodology
Malcolm X is a 1992 biographical drama depicting the life of African-American activist Malcolm X. Directed by Spike Lee and starring Denzel Washington, the film features a large ensemble cast including Angela Bassett and Bobby Seale. Notable figures such as Nelson Mandela appear in cameo roles withi...
Chadwick Bosemans final performance anchors this vibrant and powerful biopic of blues legend Ma Rainey. Set in 1927 Chicago, the film explores the challenges faced by Black artists in the music industry, the exploitation they endured, and the fight for creative control. Director George C. Wolfe mas...
Du Bois was a towering intellectual whose work defined the scope of the African American experience. He pioneered the concept of 'double consciousness,' analyzing the psychological strain of living between two cultures. His research was foundational to sociology and civil rights theory, moving the c...
Sha'Carri Richardson has redefined modern sprinting with her breathtaking acceleration and raw power in the 100m dash. Her performances set a new standard for explosive speed, making her a primary focus for competitors worldwide. She combines natural athleticism with intense focus, making her a must...
Black Voters Matter is a national organization dedicated to protecting and expanding Black voter power. They conduct voter registration drives, provide voter education, and mobilize voters in key elections. Their focus is on combating voter suppression tactics and ensuring that Black communities hav...
