HipHop Essentials
This Houston rapper coined the term “Hot Girl Summer” and recently earned her third BET Hip-Hop Award for Best Female Rap Artist.
Who is Megan Thee Stallion
The first black female billionaire
Who is Oprah Winfrey
This 2018 Marvel blockbuster became a global phenomenon and featured the fictional country of Wakanda.
What is Black Panther
“Shine bright like a diamond…”
“…find light in the beautiful sea, I choose to be happy.”
“Diamonds” (Rihanna, 2012)
The first African American second basemen
Who is Jackie Robinson
This 2023 animated film from Sony follows Miles Morales as he travels through the multiverse to meet other Spider-People
What is Spider-Man: Across the Spider-Verse?
“I might kill my ex, not the best idea…”
“…his new girlfriend’s next, how’d I get here?”
“Kill Bill” (SZA, 2023)
This rapper headlined the Super Bowl LIX Halftime Show in February 2025, performing alongside guests SZA, Samuel L. Jackson, Serena Williams, and Mustard.
Who is Kendrick Lamar
The first black Supreme Justice
Who is Thurgood Marshall
This 2003 movie starred Raven-Symoné and Adrienne Bailon as part of a girl group.”
What is The Cheetah Girls
“I got in one little fight and my mom got scared…”
“…she said, ‘You’re movin’ with your auntie and uncle in Bel-Air.’”
“The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air Theme Song” (Will Smith, 1990)
This Bronx drill artist gained viral fame on TikTok with her freestyle “On the Radar,” later earning a collaboration with Nicki Minaj on Princess Diana (Remix).
Who is Ice Spice
First African American to cover GQ, Sports Illustrated, as well as be featured in Victoria Secret lingerie catalog
Who is Tyra Banks
This 2016 musical film starring Janelle Monáe and Taraji P. Henson told the untold story of three Black women who helped launch NASA’s first space mission.
What is Hidden Figures
“They said I’m the one they envy, but…”
“…I been too busy breakin’ every ceiling above me.”
“Luther” (Kendrick Lamar & SZA, 2025)
Known for her poetic lyricism and bold visuals, this artist’s album spent over 10 weeks at #1 on the Billboard 200 and earned her the 2024 Grammy for Best R&B Album.
Who is SZA
This black activist court case lead to the desegregation of American higher education.
Who is Heman Sweatt
This 2023 remake of a 90s classic starred Fantasia and Halle Bailey, proving sisterhood and music never go out of style.
What is The Color Purple (2023)
“As he came into the window…”
“…it was the sound of a crescendo, Annie, are you OK?”
“Smooth Criminal” (Michael Jackson 1987)