“The word ‘love’ is most often defined as a noun, yet all the more astute theorists of love acknowledge that we would all love better if we used it as a verb.” — bell hooks
Love, as bell hooks reminds us, is not just something to be felt but something to be actively done. For Black communities, love has always been a radical and transformative force, offering both solace and strength in the face of systemic oppression. In this post, we’re exploring how Black love—romantic, platonic, and communal—has been celebrated and interrogated through music, literature, and visual art.
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The soundtrack of Black Love
From the soulful ballads of Marvin Gaye to the lyrical storytelling of SZA, Black artists have consistently used music to capture the complexities of love. Hip hop, in particular, has carved out space to explore both its challenges and joys. Tracks like Common’s “The Light” and Lauryn Hill’s “Nothing Even Matters” illustrate love as a space of vulnerability and trust, while Kendrick Lamar’s “LOVE.” digs into the perseverance required to nurture a relationship.
Through these songs, love is shown as a verb—an action requiring effort, intention, and care. Lyrics become poetry, capturing the multiplicity of Black love as something that uplifts individuals while anchoring communities.
Black love on the page
In literature, authors like Toni Morrison and James Baldwin have long used their works to reflect the beauty and complexity of Black love. Morrison’s novels, such as Beloved and Song of Solomon, often situate love as a form of liberation—a way for characters to reclaim identity and agency. Similarly, Baldwin’s Giovanni’s Room and If Beale Street Could Talk offer tender yet unflinching portrayals of love in a world that often denies it.
Contemporary writers like Ta-Nehisi Coates (Between the World and Me) and Brit Bennett (The Vanishing Half) continue this legacy, exploring how love shapes Black identity across generations. These works remind us that love is as much about healing as it is about connection, challenging readers to see love as an active process of care, understanding, and self-discovery.
Visualizing love through art
Visual artists have also played a pivotal role in shaping representations of Black love. Kerry James Marshall’s paintings, for instance, often depict intimate scenes of Black families and couples, emphasizing everyday acts of care and affection. Similarly, photographer Gordon Parks used his lens to document the quiet resilience and tenderness within Black communities, offering a counter-narrative to dominant stereotypes.
More recently, artists like Kara Walker and Mickalene Thomas have reimagined Black love through the lens of history, identity, and sexuality. Their works invite viewers to consider the intersections of love with race, gender, and power, pushing the boundaries of how Black love is visualized and understood.
Mickalene Thomas
2022
rhinestones and acrylic paint on canvas mounted on wood panel
At its core, Black love is a radical act. It defies centuries of dehumanization, affirming the worth and beauty of Black lives. By exploring Black love across mediums, we gain a deeper understanding of its power to inspire liberation, build community, and transform lives.
As we reflect on the ways Black love manifests in art, let’s remember bell hooks’ call to action: to treat love as a verb. Whether through music, literature, or visual art, Black creators remind us that love is not passive. It’s a choice—a revolutionary one—that requires courage, intention, and unyielding commitment. - [cayla grace sims, rhyme & reason.]
About [rhyme & reason.]
[rhyme & reason] is a dynamic blog and subsidiary of Educational Entertainment, dedicated to bridging the worlds of conscious hip-hop and literacy. Our mission is to empower youth by promoting reading, critical thinking, and creativity through the lens of hip-hop culture. By highlighting the literary depth of hip-hop lyrics and their sociocultural significance, we aim to inspire young readers to explore literature in new and engaging ways. Whether through thought-provoking blog posts, interactive social media content, or collaborative partnerships with artists and educators, [rhyme & reason] offers a space where music, literature, and social awareness come together to create lasting connections and foster a love for learning. Join us as we celebrate the power of words, beats, and storytelling in shaping the next generation of readers. Follow us on Instagram to join the journey!
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