“From grounding & clarity to resistance & joy, these tracks shaped culture in the spirit of 1990s Black film soundtracks.

I was born in 1974, & my coming of age unfolded through the 1980s & 1990s. During the 1990s, there was a resurgence of Black films & Black filmmakers. What stood out was not only the storytelling, but the music that accompanied it. Each film carried a soundtrack that lived beyond the screen & shaped the culture.

That tradition matters to me.

In that same spirit, I have created a playlist. The songs were contributed by the leaders who shared their stories of resilience & resistance as part of this work. Each track reflects a moment, a memory, or a reminder of why this work continues.

As you move through Still We Lead, I invite you to let the music accompany your reflection. The soundtrack honors those who came before us & reminds us that even in difficult seasons, we continue to create, endure, & move forward.”