Think of our SAVE THE CULTURE series as a modernized version of the time capsule, when groups of people would accrue the items they felt best represented their era, stow said items in a container of some sort, and hide said container to be one day discovered by future generations as evidence of how we once did things on planet Earth. 

In 2025, a quarter of the way into this pivotal century and nearly 100 years since the iconic Harlem Renaissance — an era that profoundly shaped Black artistic expression and cultural identity — this project feels especially urgent. There is no doubt that many people feel that there are very deliberate attempts by some to erase the contributions of Blacks from history. Whether those sentiments are unfortunate misperceptions or turn out to very legitimate based on very real actions, we felt the need to do our part to ensure that the legacy of Black influence on global culture never fades. 

Working with Howard's esteemed faculty, our editorial team has highlighted elements of culture essential to understanding the Black American experience, in genres ranging from film and television to music and literature, and so much more in-between. By spotlighting landmark cultural creativity, we aim not only to preserve and honor the rich legacy of Black culture, but also to inspire ongoing dialogue, foster greater appreciation, and provide future generations with a vibrant record of how our culture thrived at this defining moment in history.

Enjoy this look at some of Black America's seminal cultural contributions to the world. What would you put in a cultural time capsule?