This February, The Navigator is highlighting black media in honor of Black History Month.

Hotter Than July by Stevie Wonder

[2/3/2025] Today’s recommendation comes from Senior Britlyn Davidson. Stevie Wonder’s Hotter Than July is a multi-genre album released in 1980. The album features pop, jazz, funk, and aspects of R&B. The critically acclaimed album features collaborations with Michael Jackson, Betty Wright, Charlie Wilson and other talented artists. 

Davidson recounted, “I was going through some of my grandfather’s old stuff and saw a CD of this album. I’m familiar with some of Stevie Wonder’s work so I went ahead and played it, an exceptional album front-to-back.”

The album features 10 tracks with one dedicated to the late Martin Luther King Jr. Wonder campaigned for MLK’s birthday to become a national holiday posthumously. The album sleeve featured an image of MLK with a letter urging listeners to join Wonder in observing the holiday. 

“This was really the icing on the cake for me, not only was it a great album but it has a hidden message that honors a pioneer in civil rights.” Davidson remarked.

Selma (2014)

[2/12/2025] Today’s recommendation comes from Black Student Union Secretary McKayla Rattigan (11). The 2014 film Selma is based on the voting rights marches in 1965 from Selma to Montogomery, AL. The Oscar award winning film stars David Oyelowo, Oprah Winfrey, Lorraine Toussaint as activists Dr. Martin Luther King, Annie Lee Cooper, and Amelia Boynton Robinson, respectively.   

“… this film portrays such key aspects of Black Culture and History.” Jean continued,  “it shows the relentless fight for equality and justice despite facing systematic oppression.” 

The movie is loved by many educators for its accurate and emotional portrayal of important history. “I found out about this movie as a recommendation from my teacher in middle school and I have been inspired ever since!” Jean added.