In Honor of Black History Month, a Look at Black Directors Who Made History

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.

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.

Largely unknown just a year ago, Lizzo was named entertainer of the year at the 51st annual NAACP Image Awards, which were presented on Jan. 22 at the Pasadena (Calif.) Civic Auditorium. That's the fastest that anyone has climbed from obscurity to receiving this top award since the award was introduced in 1986. The previous record-holder

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. We continue the celebration in 2020, with soul/pop singer Melody Thornton sharing her soundtrack today.

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.

Every black actor and actress, director and comedian stands on the shoulders of those who paved the way for future generations. 

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.