Listen Live
St Jude banner
CLOSE

We raise our fists to this list of individuals who spent the majority of their careers blazing trails in their respective fields. But more than that, the below artists use their platforms to speak out anytime the lives or value of Black people are threatened.

With genuine talent and the ability to put truth to action, we slow clap every time they walk away from the mic. Bold, clear and unapologetic, the talent listed below are champions in upholding the legacy of Black excellence.

We’re hoping these soldiers can lead the sheep (i.e. Kanye, Chrisette, Omarosa, Ben) back into the fold.

With daily news of the constant chaos in our current administration––especially during Black History Month––Black youth can feel empowered that these seven will continue to rage against the machine on behalf of us all.

Solange

Busboys and Poets' Peace Ball: Voices of Hope and Resistance

Source: Mike Coppola / Getty

She does it for the culture. The singer, who refuses to be pigeonholed as Beyoncé’s little sister, has always moved to her own rhythm. Her 2015 album A Seat At The Table gave new life to a storied history of music concerned with the liberation of Black people everywhere.

Jesse Williams

2016 BET Awards - Show

Source: Kevin Winter/BET / Getty

The enigmatic actor, educator and activist continues to fight against White supremacy with every breath he takes. From his tweets to the BET speech that we will never forget, Williams reminds us we all have a duty to stay active participants if we want to change the course of history.

Donald Glover

NBC's '74th Annual Golden Globe Awards' - Arrivals

Source: Kevork Djansezian/NBC / Getty

Glover forged a new lane for himself with the FX hit Atlanta. The show gave breath to the experiences of Black millennials and further shed light on the prolific importance the city has on culture. From his memorable Migos shout-out at the 2017 Golden Globes, to his eccentric taste in music and comedy narratives, Glover shows us it’s OK to bask in #BlackBoyJoy.

Angela Rye

2nd Annual Through the Eyes Of Art Event And The Value Of Black Life Concert

Source: Suzi Pratt / Getty

The political strategist always keeps it funky, whether she’s battling a pro-Trump agenda on TV or speaking against a supporter of excessive use of force. Rye is the shining light in the ever-increasing Trump obsessed news cycle who consistently reminds us of the facts. And be assured if you ever forget, she has no problem setting you straight.

A Tribe Called Quest

'A Tribe Called Quest' Portrait Session

Source: Al Pereira / Getty

The prolific hip-hop group––consisting of members Ali Shaheed Muhammad, Q-Tip and Phife Dawg––recently closed the chapter on their 30-year music career with the release of 2015’s We Got It From Here: Thank You For Your Service. Their hit album, the first and last since the death of their fallen brother Phife, strengthened us in the continued fight towards deliverance.

Issa Rae

2015 BET Awards - Debra Lee Pre-Dinner

Source: Mark Davis/BET / Getty

The media maven and show runner of HBO’s Insecure managed to give the “round the way girl” trope a new face and image through her self-named character on the show. She’s Black, beautiful and educated. But most importantly she’s flawed––signifying the importance that although Black women are strong, we also have moments of doubt. Rae works increasingly hard to bring our humanity to the big screen.

Kid Fury & Crissle

Watch What Happens Live - Season 11

Source: Bravo / Getty

Though they are two individuals, they come as a package deal on their weekly podcast “The Read.” The two use their effective voices with wit and snark to snatch everyone from the Kardashians to Taylor Swift. A dedicated segment of their show, titled “Black Excellence,” highlights a lesser known individual who has achieved great heights in the face of adversity.

SEE ALSO:

New Study Uncovers Bias Toward Black Women’s Natural Hair

President Trump On Black History Month: Frederick Douglass ‘Has Done An Amazing Job’

7 Unapologetically Black Celebs We Hope Will Never Support Trump  was originally published on newsone.com