Transforming society requires a change of laws—and attitudes. The Black Power Movement embraced cultural activism to inspire and strengthen Black communities, nurturing their creativity and self-assurance.

Music became integral to the Black Power Movement, expressing defiance and dignity. With roots in gospel and pop, the music of the Black Power Movement embraced hard-driving rhythms and conveyed confidence, as in Nina Simone’s “Young, Gifted and Black” and James Brown’s “Say It Loud—I’m Black and I’m Proud.”