[Congressional Record Volume 154, Number 111 (Tuesday, July 8, 2008)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1408]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




          SUPPORTING THE GOALS AND IDEALS OF BLACK MUSIC MONTH

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                               speech of

                         HON. CHARLES B. RANGEL

                              of new york

                    in the house of representatives

                         Monday, June 23, 2008

  Mr. RANGEL. Madam Speaker, I rise today to acknowledge the tremendous 
contributions of black music to American culture. From times of slavery 
to the Civil Rights Movement, Black music has served the Black 
community as a source of inspiration and strength and continues to 
serve as a narrative of Black History and culture.
  Spirituals that grew from the cries of slaves have evolved over 
hundreds of years to the Gospel, Soul, R&B, Jazz, Blues, and Rock & 
Roll we know today. Black music is enjoyed by the larger community in 
the U.S. and by an ever larger global community.
  Black music was and continues to be a tool to reveal the very soul of 
the black man to the rest of America. In times of division and hate, 
black music was one of the few cultural artifacts that was shared with 
all Americans. ``Freedom Songs'' used during the civil rights movement 
like ``We Shall Not be Moved,'' ``Lift Every Voice and Sing,'' and ``We 
Shall Overcome,'' were sung by all and served as uniters rather than 
dividers.
  Many of the most celebrated musicians in the history of Jazz, Soul 
and Blues were African Americans; Lena Horn, Billie Holiday, Charlie 
Parker, Miles Davis, Duke Ellington and John Coltrane are all legends 
in their own right and have brought innovation and freshness to music 
that continues to inspire musicians today.
  Black music is much more than words and rhythm: it is an 
encapsulation and reaffirmation of a cultural identity that was formed 
out of years of struggle and triumph. It is distinctive in the way that 
it uplifts the spirit and enthralls the intellect. We must recognize 
that black music has served for generations as more than a pastime; it 
has been a source of strength and inspiration for a brighter future.

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