[Congressional Record Volume 169, Number 125 (Thursday, July 20, 2023)]
[Senate]
[Pages S3462-S3463]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                         SUBMITTED RESOLUTIONS

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 SENATE RESOLUTION 305--COMMEMORATING THE 50TH ANNIVERSARY OF HIP HOP 
   AND DESIGNATING AUGUST 11, 2023, AS ``HIP HOP CELEBRATION DAY'' , 
     DESIGNATING AUGUST 2023 AS ``HIP HOP RECOGNITION MONTH'', AND 
         DESIGNATING NOVEMBER 2023 AS ``HIP HOP HISTORY MONTH''

  Mr. SCHUMER (for himself and Mr. Cassidy) submitted the following 
resolution; which was considered and agreed to:

                              S. RES. 305

       Whereas 2023 is the 50th anniversary of the creation of hip 
     hop;
       Whereas, on August 11, 1973, Clive ``DJ Kool Herc'' 
     Campbell introduced his innovative style of disc jockeying at 
     an event organized by his sister, Cindy Campbell, called the 
     ``Back To School Jam'', which was held in the recreation room 
     of 1520 Sedgwick Avenue in the Bronx, New York;
       Whereas, together, Clive ``DJ Kool Herc'' Campbell and the 
     master of ceremonies engaged the crowd with rap on the 
     microphone, while partygoers known as B-boys and B-girls 
     danced, and introduced a new style, later known as ``hip 
     hop'', which combined the elements of a disc jockey (commonly 
     known as a ``DJ''), a master of ceremonies (commonly known as 
     an ``MC''), music, art, and dance;
       Whereas Clive ``DJ Kool Herc'' Campbell was inducted into 
     the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 2023;
       Whereas, from the humble beginnings of hip hop in New York 
     City, the music, lyricism, dance, and art of hip hop has 
     become a culture found in communities across the United 
     States, and has long been a worldwide phenomenon;
       Whereas the art and culture of hip hop is an original 
     creation of the United States and one of the most popular 
     genres of music within the United States;
       Whereas hip hop has had notable Southern influences 
     following its Northern inception, such as jazz and bounce 
     from New Orleans, Louisiana, the blues from Mississippi, and 
     country from the South, and these influences along with other 
     celebrated genres of music, such as disco, gospel, soul, rock 
     and roll, and Indigenous music from across the United States, 
     have all helped hip hop transcend boundaries and contributed 
     significant intellectual heritage and regional influence to 
     the creation and progression of hip hop over the last 
     century;
       Whereas the hip hop genre has been reinvented often over 
     the years since 1973, reflecting the State, city, and region 
     of the music, from G-funk and hyphy on the West Coast, to 
     bass and trap in the South, to drill in the Midwest, to many 
     other sounds from coast to coast and from abroad, including 
     contemporary hip hop, which continues that trend by allowing 
     listeners not only to unwind and escape through a rhythmic 
     beat but also to resonate and empathize with the stories 
     being told;
       Whereas hip hop artists and supporters, originally of 
     African heritage, now transcend many different ages, 
     ethnicities, religions, locations, political affiliations, 
     and socioeconomic statuses, which demonstrates the 
     versatility and inclusivity of hip hop art and culture;
       Whereas the art and culture of hip hop have been adapted in 
     many innovative forms that are inspirational, challenging, 
     humorous, thought-provoking, and spiritual;
       Whereas hip hop as a multidimensional art form and 
     lifestyle continues to produce new subgenres of music and 
     stylistic lexicons and promotes new cultural imprints, 
     trends, and movements that reverberate across the United 
     States and around the globe;
       Whereas hip hop has provided opportunities for 
     extracurricular activities, youth empowerment, creative 
     outlets, physical fitness, vocabulary exercises, poetry, 
     analytical thinking, entertainment, employment, and economic 
     impact and has become an industry that generates more than 
     $1,000,000,000 annually;
       Whereas hip hop art, education, and culture have positive 
     effects on society;
       Whereas, on August 11, 2023, the Federal Government, 
     States, cities, and towns will observe Hip Hop Celebration 
     Day;
       Whereas, during the month of August 2023, the Federal 
     Government, States, cities, and towns will observe Hip Hop 
     Recognition Month; and
       Whereas, during the month of November 2023, the Federal 
     Government, States, cities, and towns will observe Hip Hop 
     History Month: Now, therefore, be it
       Resolved, That the Senate--
       (1) designates August 11, 2023, as ``Hip Hop Celebration 
     Day'';
       (2) designates the month of August 2023 as ``Hip Hop 
     Recognition Month'';
       (3) designates the month of November 2023 as ``Hip Hop 
     History Month'';
       (4) recognizes the 50 years of contributions of hip hop to 
     art and culture;
       (5) encourages Senators to commemorate the 50th anniversary 
     of hip hop and support appropriate activities that recognize 
     the historic milestone and cultural legacy of the ``Back to 
     School Jam'' of August 11, 1973; and
       (6) encourages local governments in the United States to 
     build partnerships with local hip hop entities and other 
     members of the creative arts and music communities in

[[Page S3463]]

     celebration of the 50th anniversary of hip hop.

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