Black History Month, observed every February in the United States and Canada, honors the achievements and contributions of African Americans to history, culture, and society. Established in 1926 as “Negro History Week” by historian Carter G. Woodson, the celebration expanded to a full month in 1976 during the U.S. Bicentennial. Since then, Black History Month has provided an opportunity to reflect on the struggles for freedom and equality while celebrating the rich heritage and resilience of the Black community.
Music has always been a cornerstone of Black history and culture. From the soulful rhythms of gospel to the innovative beats of hip-hop, African American artists have shaped the musical landscape, influencing genres worldwide. In honor of Black History Month, I’ve curated a comprehensive playlist featuring over 280 tracks from standout Black artists across a variety of genres. This collection is designed to inspire your indoor cycling classes and bring deeper meaning to your rides.
Two cycling profiles featuring Black artists are available to ICA members, offering ready-made options to create engaging and meaningful rides:
- Progressive Aerobic Intervals by Bill Pierce. Introduced last year, this profile is perfect for building aerobic endurance in a structured, progressive way.
- Climbing to New Heights by Jennifer Sage. A brand-new profile focused on three challenging climbs that build steadily in both effort and duration. The profile is designed to match the power and emotion of these incredible songs.
Whether you use one of these profiles as-is, modify them with your own music choices, or craft a completely unique ride with songs from our bucket playlist, the possibilities are endless. This approach ensures every class can be as unique and personal as you want it to be, while still celebrating the resilience, creativity, and cultural pride embodied in these powerful tracks.
Honoring Juneteenth
This bucket playlist and the accompanying cycling profiles are also perfect for commemorating Juneteenth, celebrated on June 19. Known as “Freedom Day,” Juneteenth marks the end of slavery in the United States. On this significant day in 1865, federal troops arrived in Galveston, Texas, to ensure that enslaved people were freed—more than two years after the Emancipation Proclamation was issued.
Whether you use this music to celebrate Black History Month or Juneteenth, it serves as a powerful tribute to the enduring contributions of African American artists and their role in shaping history and culture.
Enjoy the ride, and let this music celebrate the spirit of freedom and resilience. To get you started, here are a few standout tracks to include in your Black History Month playlist.
Freedom, Beyoncé and Kendrick Lamar, 4:50, 84 bpm
This song is an anthem for African American empowerment. It’s a good choice for a warm-up or an endurance or recovery segment in your profile.
Freedom, Pharell Williams, 2:42, 86 bpm
The song celebrates diversity and personal freedom. It promotes different cultures and traditions while also calling for positive action for social change. In the studio, it’s a peppy track for intervals, though it can also work for a recovery. It’s fun to use as your second warm-up song, starting at 86 rpm and surging the legs 10–15 rpm on the chorus.
Black Parade, Beyoncé, 4:20, 120 bpm
Another song by Queen Bey, “Black Parade” was released on June 19, 2019, the year that George Floyd and Breonna Taylor were killed. It followed a mass call to action for Black lives. Proceeds of the song also supported Beyoncé’s Black Business Impact Fund. It’s a poignant addition to your Juneteenth or Black History Month ride. Use it for a slow, steep climb.
Glory, Common, John Legend, 4:33, 83 bpm
John Legend and Common collaborated to record this inspiring anthem for the American historical drama film Selma. The movie depicts the series of three 1965 Selma to Montgomery voting rights marches, pivotal events that culminated in President Lyndon Johnson signing the Voting Rights Act of 1965. Use this as a powerful closing track for your ride.
A Change is Gonna Come, Sam Cooke, 3:11
Another powerful anthem for hope and change; use it as a cool-down or post-class track as your riders are collecting their things and collecting their thoughts after your ride.
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