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Black History Month

15 Moments That Proved This Black History Month Was The Blackest—Ever

Kendrick Lamar's Super Bowl performance was one of the Blackest things to happen to that football event.

Black Dandyism Through the Decades

As we wait to see how the stars show up at this year's Met Gala, we're looking at some of our favorite examples of Black dandyism through the years

Angela Johnson

What Happened to the Careers of These Black Oscar Winners?

Winning an Oscar has the potential to make or break an actor's career. Now, we're looking deeper into their stories.

Phenix S Halley

Image for Bakari Sellers Reveals Advice He Received From His Famous Father Civil Rights Leader, Dr. Cleveland Sellers

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01:48

Bakari Sellers Reveals Advice He Received From His Famous Father Civil Rights Leader, Dr. Cleveland Sellers

Honoring leadership from the Civil Rights Movement, Sellers explains why it's up to the next generation to continue the progress.

Juan Palacios

and Phenix S Halley

Some Biggest Black History Moments at The Academy Awards

Despite 2025 Oscars snubs, let's take a look at Black, history-making moments at the Academy Awards over the years.

Shanelle Genai

Malcolm X Was Assassinated 60 Years Ago, Here's Where His 6 Daughters Are Now

On Feb. 21, 1965, Malcolm X was shot and killed in front of his pregnant wife, Dr. Betty Shabazz, and their daughters.

Phenix S Halley

15 Moments That Proved This Black History Month Was The Blackest—Ever

Kendrick Lamar's Super Bowl performance was one of the Blackest things to happen to that football event.

Kalyn Womack

Black Dandyism Through the Decades

As we wait to see how the stars show up at this year's Met Gala, we're looking at some of our favorite examples of Black dandyism through the years

Angela Johnson

What Happened to the Careers of These Black Oscar Winners?

Winning an Oscar has the potential to make or break an actor's career. Now, we're looking deeper into their stories.

Phenix S Halley

Bakari Sellers Reveals Advice He Received From His Famous Father Civil Rights Leader, Dr. Cleveland Sellers

Honoring leadership from the Civil Rights Movement, Sellers explains why it's up to the next generation to continue the progress.

Juan Palacios

and Phenix S Halley

Some Biggest Black History Moments at The Academy Awards

Despite 2025 Oscars snubs, let's take a look at Black, history-making moments at the Academy Awards over the years.

Shanelle Genai

Malcolm X Was Assassinated 60 Years Ago, Here's Where His 6 Daughters Are Now

On Feb. 21, 1965, Malcolm X was shot and killed in front of his pregnant wife, Dr. Betty Shabazz, and their daughters.

Phenix S Halley

History

Inside The Homes of Black History Legends

Madame C.J. Walker, MLK Jr. and more. Looking for historic estates to visit this summer? Why not check out how the Black legends lived?

Kalyn Womack

Quincy Jones Already 'Died' 50 Years Ago... And Attended His Own Memorial Service! Here's The True Story

Along with his laundry list of accolades and accomplishments, it looks like we need to add “successfully cheated death” to it as well.

Shanelle Genai

All the Black Legends We Lost in 2024

From Quincy Jones to James Earl Jones, the Black community has been letting out a collective cry seemingly all year.

Shanelle Genai

Could These Leaders Be The Next MLK?

As we enter BHM and look back at the leaders of the civil rights movement in the Nat Geo series "Genius," here's a peek at the next generation of leaders.

Jessica Washington

Professor: Black Educators Should Be the Only Ones Teaching Black History...Period

Author: This is a subject too important to leave in the hands of white folks.

Lawrence Ware

The Mystery Of Why So Many of These Black Superstars Hail From Racially-Charged South Carolina... Explained

From Viola Davis to Charlamagne Tha God, there is a good reason why troubled South Carolina is home to Black excellence.

Alyse Martin

15 Unsung Heroic Tales of Our Black Military Veterans

Veterans Day: These stories from the Civil War all the way to the Vietnam War prove our soldiers were real life heroes.

Kalyn Womack

Members of The Obama Administration: Where Are They Now?

From President Biden to Former Attorney General Loretta Lynch, where they landed may surprise you.

Candace McDuffie

Image for Candiace Dillard Bassett Feels The Burden Of Continuing Her Family Legacy & Tradition | My Family Story

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04:02

Candiace Dillard Bassett Feels The Burden Of Continuing Her Family Legacy & Tradition | My Family Story

The 'Real Housewives of Potomac' star wishes she could stay forever as a kid in the backseat of her parents' car. Now she's preparing for her very own.

Adriano Contreras

Image for In Rev Run’s Run-D.M.C. & Simmons Family Story, Queens, NY Is The Central Character | My Family Story

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01:51

In Rev Run’s Run-D.M.C. & Simmons Family Story, Queens, NY Is The Central Character | My Family Story

Born Joseph Simmons, the rapper owes his hometown for fond family memories and meeting Jam Master Jay and Darryl McDaniels.

Adriano Contreras

Image for 'It Was Cold and They Wouldn't Let Us In!' Vogue Icon, Beverly Johnson Recalls Steel Mills, Swimming Pools & Discrimination | My Family Story

Now playing

03:28

'It Was Cold and They Wouldn't Let Us In!' Vogue Icon, Beverly Johnson Recalls Steel Mills, Swimming Pools & Discrimination | My Family Stor...

The model and businesswoman tells her story of growing up in working-class Buffalo, NY, and finding love late in life.

Adriano Contreras

Image for Kenya Moore: Abandoned At Birth To 'Real Housewives of Atlanta' | My Family Story

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04:01

Kenya Moore: Abandoned At Birth To 'Real Housewives of Atlanta' | My Family Story

The Bravo star did not have an easy upbringing in Detroit. But one person stepped up to shower her with love and support.

Adriano Contreras

Black History Month

Our Ancestor’s Influence: Africa’s Amazing Impact on the World

Coffee, jazz, makeup and more have an origin story that starts in Africa.

Angela Johnson

Throwback Pics of Black Sorority-Fraternity Life Through the Decades

This Black History Month, we look back at some of our favorite throwback photos of members of the men and women of the Divine Nine.

Angela Johnson

How a Mother-Daughter Duo Grew Their Fashion Line from LA Home Atelier to New York Fashion Week to the Aisles of Target Nationwide

In this Q&A with House of Aama co-founders, Rebecca Henry and Akua Shabaka tell stories of the African diaspora through style, now more accessible than ever.

G/O Media Studios for Target

You Can Thank Black Folks for That: Inventions That Changed the Culture

Automatic elevator doors, whiskey and the potato chip are just a few of the things Black folks invented.

Angela Johnson

The Story Behind Black History Month, And Why It's The Shortest Month Of The Year

Did you know Black History Month coincides with some very notable birthdays?

Jessica Washington

Breaking Down the History of the Black National Anthem Ahead of Super Bowl

Dustin J. Seibert

Black Celebs Who’ve Finally Received Their Stars on the Hollywood Walk of Fame

Stephanie Holland

Could These Leaders Be The Next MLK?

Jessica Washington

Black People Built That: Iconic Landmarks Created and Designed by African Americans

Angela Johnson

Image for Astronaut Leland Melvin Remembers The Spanking That Introduced Him To Physics | My Family Story

Now playing

04:49

Astronaut Leland Melvin Remembers The Spanking That Introduced Him To Physics | My Family Story

Melvin, who's featured in Nat Geo's 'The Space Race', credits his parents with his engineering and scientific prowess, long before his days in space.

Adriano Contreras

Image for ‘Law & Order’ Vet Jesse L. Martin Reveals The First Time He Experienced Discrimination | My Family Story

Now playing

03:49

Law & Order Vet Jesse L. Martin Reveals The First Time He Experienced Discrimination | My Family Story

The Irrational star recalls growing up in the South and the effect that moving north had on his upbringing.

Adriano Contreras

Image for Carla Hall Related To Danny Glover? Maybe. The Chef Shares Her Roots & Granny’s Influence | My Family Story

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03:59

Carla Hall Related To Danny Glover? Maybe. The Chef Shares Her Roots & Granny’s Influence | My Family Story

Chef Carla Hall (Max's 'Chasing Flavor', 'The Chew') vividly remembers the nurturing nature of her family.

Adriano Contreras

Meet the Real Villains of Black History

From Robert E. Lee to Eugene "Bull" Connor to David Duke, here are the people who've terrorized Black Americans throughout history.

Jessica Washington

Murders of The Civil Rights Movement That We Must Not Forget

Yes, the FBI plotted to kill Fred Hampton. But there's more.

Kalyn Womack

More Myths And Truths About The Transatlantic Slave Trade

The Transatlantic Slave Trade lasted for more than 400 years.

Candace McDuffie

7 Ways That Affirmative Action Ruling is Ruining Your Black Life

DEI Expert: The impact of the Supreme Court’s ruling has impacted our lives in ways you’d never believe.

Randi B.

BHM: 26 Famous Black People Who Served in the Military

I bet it wasn't on your bingo card to discover that Marvin Gaye was in the Air Force.

Kalyn Womack

Amazing HBCU Basketball Team Seeks Recognition That’s 65 Years Overdue

The Tigers of Tennessee A&I University were the first college team to win three consecutive championships.

Angela Johnson

Meet the Real Villains of Black History

From Robert E. Lee to Eugene "Bull" Connor to David Duke, here are the people who've terrorized Black Americans throughout history.

Jessica Washington

Murders of The Civil Rights Movement That We Must Not Forget

Yes, the FBI plotted to kill Fred Hampton. But there's more.

Kalyn Womack

More Myths And Truths About The Transatlantic Slave Trade

The Transatlantic Slave Trade lasted for more than 400 years.

Candace McDuffie

7 Ways That Affirmative Action Ruling is Ruining Your Black Life

DEI Expert: The impact of the Supreme Court’s ruling has impacted our lives in ways you’d never believe.

Randi B.

BHM: 26 Famous Black People Who Served in the Military

I bet it wasn't on your bingo card to discover that Marvin Gaye was in the Air Force.

Kalyn Womack

Amazing HBCU Basketball Team Seeks Recognition That’s 65 Years Overdue

The Tigers of Tennessee A&I University were the first college team to win three consecutive championships.

Angela Johnson

Black History Month

BHM: Where to Watch Iconic TV Series, Movies That Tell The Black Story

‘Roots,’ ‘High on the Hog,’ ‘Summer of Soul’ and ‘Eyes on the Prize’ are some of the titles that portray different periods of Black History.

Stephanie Holland

Head of the Class: Famous Black HBCU Alumni

Taraji P. Henson, Megan Thee Stallion and our very own VP are among more than a few notable HBCU grads.

Angela Johnson

Black History Month: TV Specials, Documentaries You Should Watch

Stephanie Holland

Famous Members of Black Greek Sororities or Fraternities Better Known as ‘The Divine Nine’

Angela Johnson

Obama Wasn’t The First Black President, According to Persistent Theories

Dustin J. Seibert

These Are the Best Grammys Black History Moments of All Time

Kalyn Womack

and Shanelle Genai

Black History Month

The Root Presents: Black History Moments In Time

From tragedy to triumph, click to learn more about the most significant events in Black history.

Rachel Pilgrim (Additional reporting by Kalyn Womack and Amira Castilla)

Black History Month

Lture/black history month

15 Moments That Proved This Black History Month Was The Blackest—Ever

Black Dandyism Through the Decades

What Happened to the Careers of These Black Oscar Winners?

Bakari Sellers Reveals Advice He Received From His Famous Father Civil Rights Leader, Dr. Cleveland Sellers

Some Biggest Black History Moments at The Academy Awards

Malcolm X Was Assassinated 60 Years Ago, Here's Where His 6 Daughters Are Now

15 Moments That Proved This Black History Month Was The Blackest—Ever

Black Dandyism Through the Decades

What Happened to the Careers of These Black Oscar Winners?

Bakari Sellers Reveals Advice He Received From His Famous Father Civil Rights Leader, Dr. Cleveland Sellers

Some Biggest Black History Moments at The Academy Awards

Malcolm X Was Assassinated 60 Years Ago, Here's Where His 6 Daughters Are Now

Inside The Homes of Black History Legends

Quincy Jones Already 'Died' 50 Years Ago... And Attended His Own Memorial Service! Here's The True Story

All the Black Legends We Lost in 2024

Could These Leaders Be The Next MLK?

Professor: Black Educators Should Be the Only Ones Teaching Black History...Period

The Mystery Of Why So Many of These Black Superstars Hail From Racially-Charged South Carolina... Explained

15 Unsung Heroic Tales of Our Black Military Veterans

Members of The Obama Administration: Where Are They Now?

Candiace Dillard Bassett Feels The Burden Of Continuing Her Family Legacy & Tradition | My Family Story

In Rev Run’s Run-D.M.C. & Simmons Family Story, Queens, NY Is The Central Character | My Family Story

'It Was Cold and They Wouldn't Let Us In!' Vogue Icon, Beverly Johnson Recalls Steel Mills, Swimming Pools & Discrimination | My Family Stor...

Kenya Moore: Abandoned At Birth To 'Real Housewives of Atlanta' | My Family Story

Our Ancestor’s Influence: Africa’s Amazing Impact on the World

Throwback Pics of Black Sorority-Fraternity Life Through the Decades

How a Mother-Daughter Duo Grew Their Fashion Line from LA Home Atelier to New York Fashion Week to the Aisles of Target Nationwide

You Can Thank Black Folks for That: Inventions That Changed the Culture

The Story Behind Black History Month, And Why It's The Shortest Month Of The Year

Breaking Down the History of the Black National Anthem Ahead of Super Bowl

Black Celebs Who’ve Finally Received Their Stars on the Hollywood Walk of Fame

Could These Leaders Be The Next MLK?

Black People Built That: Iconic Landmarks Created and Designed by African Americans

Astronaut Leland Melvin Remembers The Spanking That Introduced Him To Physics | My Family Story

Law & Order Vet Jesse L. Martin Reveals The First Time He Experienced Discrimination | My Family Story

Carla Hall Related To Danny Glover? Maybe. The Chef Shares Her Roots & Granny’s Influence | My Family Story

Meet the Real Villains of Black History

Murders of The Civil Rights Movement That We Must Not Forget

More Myths And Truths About The Transatlantic Slave Trade

7 Ways That Affirmative Action Ruling is Ruining Your Black Life

BHM: 26 Famous Black People Who Served in the Military

Amazing HBCU Basketball Team Seeks Recognition That’s 65 Years Overdue

Meet the Real Villains of Black History

Murders of The Civil Rights Movement That We Must Not Forget

More Myths And Truths About The Transatlantic Slave Trade

7 Ways That Affirmative Action Ruling is Ruining Your Black Life

BHM: 26 Famous Black People Who Served in the Military

Amazing HBCU Basketball Team Seeks Recognition That’s 65 Years Overdue

BHM: Where to Watch Iconic TV Series, Movies That Tell The Black Story

Head of the Class: Famous Black HBCU Alumni

Black History Month: TV Specials, Documentaries You Should Watch

Famous Members of Black Greek Sororities or Fraternities Better Known as ‘The Divine Nine’

Obama Wasn’t The First Black President, According to Persistent Theories

These Are the Best Grammys Black History Moments of All Time

The Root Presents: Black History Moments In Time

Say It Loud: This is The Ultimate Black History Month Playlist

The Evolution of Coco Gauff

The Evolution of Katt Williams

The Evolution of Stacey Abrams

The Evolution of George Clinton

The Evolution of Michelle Obama

The Origins Of Black History Month, Explained

The Life and Legend of Madam Stephanie St. Clair

How 'Joy Goddess' A'Lelia Walker Created Revolutionary Spaces for the Artistic and the Sensual

The Great Escape of Robert Smalls

The Best ‘Black National Anthem’ Performances in History

The Evolution of Aaron Judge

The Evolution of Sheryl Lee Ralph

The Evolution of Bishop T.D. Jakes

The Evolution of Quinta Brunson

The Evolution of Tyler Perry

Where It All Began: A Black History Month 101

Sister Rosetta Tharpe: The Queer Black Woman Who Invented Rock ’n’ Roll

How Bad Brains Redefined the Spirit of Defiance

The Women Who Freed a Thousand Slaves

Billion-Dollar Legacy: Reginald F. Lewis’ Incredible Life Story Comes to Film

The Evolution of Doug E. Fresh

The Evolution of Taraji P. Henson

The Evolution of Jamie Foxx