From the National Museum of African American History and Culture website:

Created by President Jimmy Carter in 1979, this month celebrates the African American musical influences that comprise an essential part of our nation’s treasured cultural heritage.

Formerly called National Black Music Month, this celebration of African American musical contributions is re-established annually by presidential proclamation. Though by no means exhaustive, we’ve prepared a primer that will guide you through some of the different genres that African Americans have created, inspired and fostered.

The museum outlines several music types for you to explore, and we have paired them with some video links for your education and listening pleasure:

Sacred Music

Spiritual Songs for Black History Month Playlist https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLu7MwjC3NPc3H0wesgvlrMTf5GrXmatM1

Jazz

Jazz Age in the South: An African American Perspective, DeKalb History Center https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WqlftvlrPEk

Folk Music

African American Folk Music Playlist https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLQ-mjOdps9nlKwZC2NGmM71bo92UTZ2pT

The Blues

Blues America, Part 1 of 2: Woke Up This Morning Documentary https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9hZMHLGMpzc&list=RDQMDLNJRTeg9W0&index=1 

Hip Hop

The Birth of Hip Hop https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=10C-Q3NIlzU