Black History Inspirations: Melody Thornton's Playlist Focuses on Empowerment

Last year, as part of Billboard's Black History Month celebration, we asked Black artists spanning all genres to compile unique playlists exclusive to Billboard's Spotify account. Everyone from Normani and  Khalid to DJ Premier and Rapsody shared tracks that represented their love for the culture across the diaspora -- from childhood favorites to songs that make them feel free.

Black History Month is a sacred time for me as a filmmaker as I reflect on those who walked the hard road so ours could be easier. I find inspiration in their journey, which reignites my passion to carry on sacred storytelling traditions and continue to show the world the incredible contributions of the black Americans who came before us.

Last year, as part of Billboard's Black History Month celebration, we asked Black artists spanning all genres to compile unique playlists exclusive to Billboard's Spotify account. Everyone from Normani and Khalid to DJ Premier and Rapsody shared tracks that represented their love for the culture across the diaspora -- from childhood favorites to songs that make them feel free.

In 2019, the USC Annenberg Inclusion Initiative reported that 2018 was a historic year for black filmmakers, noting a “record high when it came to hiring black directors.” The report reflected a significant change, showing the push for diversity both behind and in front of the camera. Though the numbers are increasing, the report also proved that Hollywood still has a long way to go.

Last year, as part of Billboard's Black History Month celebration, we asked Black artists spanning all genres to compile unique playlists exclusive to Billboard's Spotify account. Everyone from Normani and Khalid to DJ Premier and Rapsody shared tracks that represented their love for the culture across the diaspora -- from childhood favorites to songs that make them feel free.

Back in 2018, Naomi Campbell and then-boyfriend Skepta were profiled for GQ. As Campbell was describing a visit to Nelson Mandela's home, Skepta interrupted, asking "Was there Wi-Fi?" twice. Campbell responded in the negative, to which Skepta said: "As long as there was Wi-Fi, I would have stayed at Nelson Mandela’s house." I think about this statement a lot.

Back in 2018, Naomi Campbell and then-boyfriend Skepta were profiled for GQ. As Campbell was describing a visit to Nelson Mandela's home, Skepta interrupted, asking "Was there Wi-Fi?" twice. Campbell responded in the negative, to which Skepta said: "As long as there was Wi-Fi, I would have stayed at Nelson Mandela’s house." I think about this statement a lot.

Last year, as part of Billboard's Black History Month celebration, we asked Black artists spanning all genres to compile unique playlists exclusive to Billboard's Spotify account. Everyone from Normani and Khalid to DJ Premier and Rapsody shared tracks that represented their love for the culture across the diaspora -- from childhood favorites to songs that make them feel free.

As a creator and writer, I dreamed of hiring a team of women that looked like the black female leads I create. Women who are bold, innovative, and challenge the status quo. It took months to find one animator. Then weeks to find the next. I brought these artists together and was stunned to find an untapped pool of talent, struggling for a permanent place in the animated world.

Last year, as part of Billboard's Black History Month celebration, we asked Black artists spanning all genres to compile unique playlists exclusive to Billboard's Spotify account. Everyone from Normani and Khalid to DJ Premier and Rapsody shared tracks that represented their love for the culture across the diaspora -- from childhood favorites to songs that make them feel free.

Last year, as part of Billboard's Black History Month celebration, we asked Black artists spanning all genres to compile unique playlists exclusive to Billboard's Spotify account. Everyone from Normani and Khalid to DJ Premier and Rapsody shared tracks that represented their love for the culture across the diaspora -- from childhood favorites to songs that make them feel free.

Superheroes are thriving on TV, and an unprecedented number of them are African American. But it hasn't always been this way; historically, superheroes of color have had a slow and difficult journey to receiving the kind of fame that their white counterparts have enjoyed all along.

History never goes out of style. It teaches, illuminates, influences and inspires. 

Last year, as part of Billboard's Black History Month celebration, we asked Black artists spanning all genres to compile unique playlists exclusive to Billboard's Spotify account. Everyone from Normani and Khalid to DJ Premier and& Rapsody shared tracks that represented their love for the culture across the diaspora -- from childhood favorites to songs that make them feel free.

Back in 2016, Matthew A. Cherry put out a call on Twitter looking for 3D artists to help with a project. On Sunday, Cherry was standing on the stage of the Dolby Theatre celebrating his Oscar win for best animated short for “Hair Love.”

Actors David Alan Grier, Blair Underwood and Celia Rose Gooding have a shared passion for telling powerful stories on stage, but they say it's the personal experiences they had leading up to their big breaks that helped shape how they celebrate and honor each other's successes.