She Strengthens

Celebrating Freedom: A Playlist for Juneteenth

As we commemorate 156 years since the abolition of slavery in the United States, we acknowledge the long journey towards true equality and advancement for the Black community. Amidst the struggles, celebration and cultural expression are essential for mental health and collective progress.

Juneteenth Joy Mix

This 50-track playlist embodies the complex balance of hope, joy, frustration, and education that defines this day of remembrance.

Tracks 1-9: Liberation and Celebration

These opening tracks evoke the spirit of freedom and jubilation, transporting us back to the moment when enslaved people first heard the news of their liberation.

• “Freedom” by Beyoncé feat. Kendrick Lamar
• “Respect” by Aretha Franklin
• “Say It Loud — I’m Black And I’m Proud” by James Brown
• “Happy” by Pharrell Williams
• “Ain’t No Stoppin’ Us Now” by McFadden & Whitehead
• “Through The Wire” by Kanye West
• “I See A Victory” by Kim Burrell & Pharrell Williams
• “Can You Feel It” by The Jacksons
• “Freedom” by Pharrell Williams

Tracks 10-26: Black Pride and Empowerment

These tracks celebrate Black identity, self-love, and community, highlighting the importance of embracing our heritage and culture.

• “To Be Young, Gifted And Black” by Nina Simone
• “So Fresh, So Clean” by Outkast
• “BLACK PARADE” by Beyoncé
• “Rooted” by Ciara feat. Ester Dean
• “POWER” by Kanye West
• “If I Ruled The World (Imagine That)” by Nas feat. Ms. Lauryn Hill
• “UMI Says” by Mos Def
• “All Black Everything” by Lupe Fiasco
• “Black” by Buddy feat. A$AP Ferg
• “Brown Skin” by India.Arie
• “BROWN SKIN GIRL” by Blue Ivy, SAINt JHN, Beyoncé, & WizKid
• “Proud To Be Black” by Run-D.M.C.
• “Colors” by Black Pumas
• “Feel The Vibe” by BJ The Chicago Kid & Anderson.Paak
• “The People” by Common & Dwele
• “Diaspora & Dishes (Jordan’s Question)” — Interlude by Vivian Green & Jordan Green
• “We Are Everywhere” by Vivian Green

Tracks 27-33: Confronting Reality

These tracks address the harsh realities of being Black in America, acknowledging the lingering effects of systemic racism and oppression.

• “This Is America” by Childish Gambino
• “Welcome To America” by Black Thought feat. C.S. Armstrong & Angela Hunte
• “Black” by Dave
• “Get Up, Stand Up” by Bob Marley & The Wailers
• “Fight The Power” by Public Enemy
• “U.N.I.T.Y” by Queen Latifah
• “Fight For You” by H.E.R.

Tracks 34-50: Hope and Resilience

The final tracks offer messages of hope, encouragement, and perseverance, reminding us that despite the struggles, we will rise above and achieve a better future.

• “Able” by Pharrell Williams
• “Movin’ On” by Jonathan McReynolds
• “Something’s Got To Give” by Labrinth
• “On And On” by Curtis Harding
• “Say Peace” by Common feat. Black Thought & PJ
• “A Beautiful Noise” by Alicia Keys & Brandi Carlile
• “Unstoppable” by Koryn Hawthorne
• “Never Gonna Break My Faith” by Aretha Franklin feat. The Boys Choir of Harlem
• “Rise Up” by Andra Day
• “Stand Up” by Cynthia Erivo
• “Everything Is Everything” by Ms. Lauryn Hill
• “A Change Is Gonna Come” by Sam Cooke
• “Redemption Song” by Bob Marley & The Wailers
• “Alright” by Kendrick Lamar
• “Optimistic” by August Greene, Brandy, Common, Robert Glasper, & Karriem Riggins
• “Made In America” by JAY-Z, Kanye West, & Frank Ocean
• “Glory” by Common & John Legend