Black history is American history. As we honor Black History Month, we recognize the achievements, resilience, and contributions of Black individuals who have shaped our nation, our communities, and our future. From trailblazing leaders and activists to the artists, musicians, and storytellers who have redefined culture, their legacies continue to inspire progress. This page is dedicated to celebrating Black excellence, amplifying historical and modern voices, and providing resources for deeper learning. Explore essential readings, powerful films, influential music, and key historical figures who have made a lasting impact—both nationally and right here in Country Club Hills.

Essential Readings to Educate on Black History

Black history is rich, complex, and deeply woven into the fabric of America. From powerful autobiographies to groundbreaking historical accounts, these must-read books educate, inspire, and challenge perspectives.

  1. The Warmth of Other Suns by Isabel Wilkerson – A compelling narrative about the Great Migration of Black Americans from the South.
  2. Between the World and Me by Ta-Nehisi Coates – A powerful letter from a father to his son, reflecting on race and identity in America.
  3. The New Jim Crow by Michelle Alexander – A groundbreaking analysis of mass incarceration and racial injustice.
  4. Stamped from the Beginning by Ibram X. Kendi – A deep dive into the history of racist ideas in America.
  5. Narrative of the Life of Frederick Douglass by Frederick Douglass – An essential autobiography of one of the most influential abolitionists in history.
  6. Ida: A Sword Among Lions by Paula J. Giddings – A biography of Ida B. Wells and her fight for justice.
  7. So You Want to Talk About Race by Ijeoma Oluo – A guide to understanding and discussing race in today’s world.

Top Black History Documentaries

History isn’t just in books—it’s alive in the voices, images, and moments captured on film. These documentaries dive deep into the truth of Black history, revealing the untold stories, triumphs, and struggles that shaped the world today.

  1. Eyes on the Prize – A must-watch series chronicling the U.S. civil rights movement from the 1950s–1980s.
  2. 13th – Directed by Ava DuVernay, this powerful documentary examines the links between slavery, mass incarceration, and systemic racism.
  3. I Am Not Your Negro – Based on James Baldwin’s unfinished manuscript, this documentary explores race relations in America through his perspective.
  4. The Black Power Mixtape 1967–1975 – A collection of archival footage that offers a unique view of the Black Power Movement.
  5. Who We Are: A Chronicle of Racism in America – Civil rights lawyer Jeffrey Robinson breaks down the history of systemic racism in the U.S.
  6. One Night in Miami (Companion Documentary: Regina King & Kemp Powers on the Making of One Night in Miami) – Behind the scenes of a film depicting a fictionalized meeting between Malcolm X, Muhammad Ali, Jim Brown, and Sam Cooke.

Essential Listens on Black History & Culture

Music is more than sound—it’s a movement. These albums have shaped history, fueled activism, and defined generations. From jazz and soul to hip-hop and protest anthems, Black artists have used music to tell stories of struggle, resilience, and empowerment.

These iconic albums have shaped Black history, culture, and activism, serving as both reflections of their time and timeless statements on identity, struggle, and empowerment.

1. What’s Going On – Marvin Gaye, 1971
A soulful masterpiece with a social conscience. Marvin Gaye’s What’s Going On tackled racism, war, environmental issues, and injustice in a way no Motown album had before. Its themes of unity and struggle remain just as relevant today, making it one of the most powerful protest albums in Black history.

2. The Miseducation of Lauryn Hill – Lauryn Hill, 1998
An album that redefined hip-hop and R&B. Lauryn Hill’s debut solo album blended neo-soul, hip-hop, reggae, and gospel while addressing themes of Black womanhood, love, self-empowerment, and social justice. It became the first rap album to win Album of the Year at the Grammys and remains a defining work of Black artistry.

3. To Pimp a Butterfly – Kendrick Lamar, 2015
A modern-day civil rights anthem. This jazz-infused hip-hop album explores themes of racism, self-love, mental health, and systemic oppression. Kendrick Lamar’s storytelling takes listeners through the complexities of Black identity in America, making it an essential listen for understanding modern Black struggles.

4. Songs in the Key of Life – Stevie Wonder, 1976
A soulful celebration of Black life. This double album covers Black pride, love, struggle, and social awareness, making it one of the most influential records in music history. Songs like “Village Ghetto Land” critique economic disparity, while “Isn’t She Lovely” celebrates Black joy and family.

5. The Black Album – Jay-Z, 2003
A defining moment in hip-hop storytelling. The Black Album was originally intended as Jay-Z’s farewell to rap, encapsulating his journey from Brooklyn’s Marcy Projects to becoming a cultural icon. The album highlights the power of Black entrepreneurship, legacy-building, and self-determination.

6. Super Fly – Curtis Mayfield, 1972
Blaxploitation meets Black empowerment. The soundtrack for the film Super Fly wasn’t just a collection of funk and soul—it was a critique of systemic racism, crime, and poverty in Black communities. Curtis Mayfield’s socially conscious lyrics made this more than just a movie soundtrack; it became a movement.

7. Black Messiah – D’Angelo and The Vanguard, 2014
A neo-soul rebellion against injustice. Released amid the Black Lives Matter movement, Black Messiah carries echoes of funk, jazz, and classic soul, addressing themes of protest, revolution, and racial identity in America. It’s both a tribute to Black music’s past and a declaration of resistance.

8. Fear of a Black Planet – Public Enemy, 1990
A hip-hop manifesto for Black empowerment. This album attacked institutional racism, media bias, and racial stereotypes, urging Black communities to unite. Public Enemy’s politically charged music helped shape hip-hop as a force for activism.

9. Civil Rights Anthology – Various Artists, 2002
The soundtrack of the Civil Rights Movement. This compilation includes freedom songs and spirituals that fueled the fight for justice, featuring artists like Mahalia Jackson, Nina Simone, and Sam Cooke. These songs were the heartbeat of the movement, empowering generations to stand against injustice.

10. The Low End Theory – A Tribe Called Quest, 1991
Jazz, hip-hop, and Black consciousness. This album merged hip-hop with jazz influences, setting the stage for future conscious rap. Its themes of Black empowerment, economic struggles, and cultural pride made it a landmark in hip-hop history.

Honorable Mentions:

  1. A Seat at the Table – Solange, 2016, A deeply personal and political album, A Seat at the Table explores Black womanhood, self-care, generational trauma, and racial pride. With songs addressing microaggressions, self-worth, and systemic injustice, Solange’s ethereal vocals mixed with sharp social critique made this album a defining moment in Black music.
  2. The Score – Fugees, 1996, This album blended hip-hop, reggae, and R&B while tackling race, poverty, and resilience in a way that resonated globally. Lauryn Hill, Wyclef Jean, and Pras Michel redefined what hip-hop could be, bringing Caribbean and African influences into the mainstream.
  3. Mama’s Gun – Erykah Badu, 2000, A cornerstone of neo-soul, Mama’s Gun fused jazz, hip-hop, and soul to explore Black love, self-worth, and activism. Badu’s raw storytelling, paired with her signature sound, helped push Afrofuturism and spiritual consciousness into R&B.
  4. There’s a Riot Goin’ On – Sly & The Family Stone, 1971, A funk-driven protest album, There’s a Riot Goin’ On captured the disillusionment of the post-Civil Rights era, using deep grooves and social commentary to highlight the challenges facing Black America in the 1970s.
  5. Lemonade – Beyoncé, 2016, More than just an album, Lemonade was a cultural statement on Black womanhood, resilience, and ancestral strength. Through its fusion of genres and powerful storytelling, Beyoncé addressed infidelity, race, feminism, and generational trauma—cementing her place as a global voice for Black empowerment.
  6. Things Fall Apart – The Roots, 1999, One of the most important hip-hop albums of all time, Things Fall Apart blended conscious rap, jazz, and live instrumentation to reflect on Black struggles, police brutality, and systemic oppression. It influenced an entire generation of socially aware MCs.
  7. Maggot Brain – Funkadelic, 1971, A psychedelic soul-funk masterpiece, Maggot Brain was a metaphor for Black survival in a chaotic world. The album’s experimental sounds and heavy themes—ranging from despair to hope—made it a revolutionary moment in Black music.

Powerful Films on Black History & Culture

Black stories deserve to be seen, heard, and celebrated. These films capture the struggles, triumphs, and resilience that have shaped Black history and culture. From civil rights icons to modern-day movements, each movie brings history to life in a powerful way.

  1. Selma, Ava DuVernay – A dramatization of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.’s leadership in the Selma voting rights marches, which led to the passage of the Voting Rights Act of 1965.
  2. Malcolm X, Spike Lee – Spike Lee’s epic biopic of Malcolm X, starring Denzel Washington, chronicling his journey from street hustler to influential civil rights leader.
  3. 12 Years a Slave, Steve McQueen – The harrowing true story of Solomon Northup, a free Black man who was kidnapped and sold into slavery, based on his memoir.
  4. Hidden Figures, Theodore Melfi – The inspiring true story of Katherine Johnson, Dorothy Vaughan, and Mary Jackson, three Black female mathematicians at NASA who played a crucial role in the U.S. space program.
  5. Judas and the Black Messiah, Shaka King – The story of Fred Hampton, chairman of the Illinois Black Panther Party, and the FBI informant who infiltrated the movement, leading to Hampton’s assassination.
  6. 42, Brian Helgeland – A biopic on Jackie Robinson, the first Black player in Major League Baseball, detailing his struggles and triumphs as he broke the color barrier.
  7. The Hate U Give, George Tillman Jr. – A powerful modern film exploring police brutality and racial injustice through the eyes of a teenage girl caught between two worlds.
  8. Cooley High, Michael Schultz – A Chicago-based coming-of-age classic following the highs and lows of Black youth in the 1960s.
  9. Queen & Slim, Melina Matsoukas – A modern-day Bonnie and Clyde-inspired love story that takes a sharp turn when a Black couple’s first date results in a fatal police encounter, forcing them to go on the run.
  10. If Beale Street Could Talk, Barry Jenkins – Based on James Baldwin’s novel, this film tells the emotional story of a young Black couple whose love is tested when the man is falsely accused of a crime.
  11. Fruitvale Station, Ryan Coogler – A heart-wrenching film based on the real-life story of Oscar Grant, a young Black man unjustly killed by police in Oakland, California, in 2009.

Notable Figures in Black History, Past & Present
Black history is rich with trailblazers who have shaped politics, culture, civil rights, and beyond. From influential leaders to groundbreaking artists, these individuals have left lasting legacies that continue to inspire generations. This section highlights notable Black figures, both past and present, who have made a profound impact on history—locally in Cook County and Country Club Hills, as well as across the nation.

  1. Koko Taylor, Known as the “Queen of the Blues,” Koko Taylor was a legendary blues singer who left an indelible mark on the Chicago blues scene. Discovered by Willie Dixon, she rose to fame with her 1965 hit “Wang Dang Doodle” and went on to record over 30 albums, winning a Grammy and earning 29 Blues Music Awards—more than any other artist in history. Later in life, Taylor called Country Club Hills home, where she remained an icon in the music industry until her passing.
  2. Carol Moseley Braun, Carol Moseley Braun made history in 1992 as the first African American woman elected to the U.S. Senate, breaking barriers for Black women in politics. A Chicago native, she was a strong advocate for civil rights, education, and healthcare reform. After her Senate term, she served as the U.S. Ambassador to New Zealand and later launched an organic products company focused on sustainability.
  3. Harold Washington, Harold Washington became Chicago’s first Black mayor in 1983, ushering in a new era of progressive policies and inclusive governance. His administration focused on equity, minority business opportunities, and city service improvements. Though his tenure was cut short by his passing in 1987, Washington’s legacy as a transformative leader continues to shape Chicago’s political landscape.
  4. Ida B. Wells, A fearless journalist and activist, Ida B. Wells dedicated her life to fighting racial injustice and exposing the horrors of lynching. She co-founded the NAACP and was a staunch advocate for women’s rights and housing equality. Settling in Chicago in 1895, Wells became a political force, even running for Illinois Senate, and her legacy remains vital to the ongoing fight for civil rights.
  5. Jean Baptise Point du Sable, Jean Baptiste Point du Sable, a Haitian-born trader, is recognized as the founder of Chicago, having established the city’s first permanent settlement in the 1770s. His trade networks and relationships with Native American communities laid the foundation for Chicago’s growth. His contributions are honored through landmarks like DuSable Bridge and the DuSable Museum of African American History.
  6. Kamala Harris, Kamala Harris made history in 2021 as the first Black, first South Asian, and first female Vice President of the United States. A graduate of Howard University and UC Hastings College of Law, Harris previously served as California’s Attorney General and U.S. Senator. She remains an advocate for criminal justice reform, civil rights, and healthcare access.
  7. Thurgood Marshall, Thurgood Marshall was a pioneering civil rights lawyer who played a crucial role in ending school segregation through his victory in Brown v. Board of Education. In 1967, he became the first Black Supreme Court Justice, serving until 1991. His rulings helped shape modern civil rights law, solidifying his legacy as a champion of justice and equality.
  8. Miller Green, Miller Green was a dedicated local leader in Cook County, advocating for equal rights, economic development, and educational opportunities. His work reshaped policies that benefited the Black community, promoting greater inclusivity in governance. Green’s impact continues to inspire future generations of public servants.
  9. Shirley Chisholm, Shirley Chisholm shattered barriers in 1968 by becoming the first Black woman elected to the U.S. Congress and later made history as the first Black woman to run for U.S. President in 1972. A champion for racial and gender equality, Chisholm fought for social justice, education, and healthcare reform, leaving a lasting impact on American politics.
  10. Colin Powell, Colin Powell was a four-star general and statesman who broke racial barriers as the first Black U.S. Secretary of State and Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff. His military and diplomatic leadership shaped U.S. foreign policy, and his legacy continues to inspire leaders in both public service and the armed forces.
  11. Rosa Parks, Rosa Parks became an enduring symbol of the civil rights movement when she refused to give up her bus seat in 1955, sparking the Montgomery Bus Boycott. Her courage led to the Supreme Court ruling that segregation on buses was unconstitutional, solidifying her legacy as the “Mother of the Civil Rights Movement.”
  12. Michelle Obama, Michelle Obama, the first Black First Lady of the United States, redefined the role through her advocacy for health, education, and military families. A Princeton and Harvard Law graduate, she launched initiatives like “Let’s Move!” and “Reach Higher,” while her memoir, Becoming, has inspired millions worldwide.
  13. James W. Ford, James W. Ford made history as the first African American mayor of Country Club Hills, Illinois. A U.S. Army veteran and former IBM executive, Ford dedicated his leadership to fiscal responsibility, economic development, and mentorship programs. His community-driven governance continues to shape the city’s future.

As we reflect on the past and embrace the future, let’s commit to keeping these stories alive beyond Black History Month. Understanding history, supporting Black voices, and fostering a more inclusive community starts with education and engagement. We invite you to continue exploring, sharing, and honoring Black history—not just in February, but every day.