[Congressional Record Volume 170, Number 33 (Friday, February 23, 2024)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E176]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




       COMMEMORATING BLACK HISTORY MONTH AND THE ERTEGUN BROTHERS

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                            HON. STEVE COHEN

                              of tennessee

                    in the house of representatives

                       Friday, February 23, 2024

  Mr. COHEN. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor and celebrate Black 
History Month, a time dedicated to recognizing the contributions of 
African Americans to the rich tapestry of American history. This month 
serves as an opportunity to reflect on the achievements, struggles, and 
enduring resilience of the Black community.
  One noteworthy aspect of Black history that deserves recognition is 
the profound impact of African Americans on the world of music, 
particularly in the realm of jazz. Jazz, born from the African American 
experience, has become a universal language, transcending borders and 
connecting people from diverse backgrounds. It is a powerful expression 
of creativity, resilience, and cultural richness.
  In this context, I'd like to emphasize the significant partnership of 
the Turkish Embassy and the Ertegun brothers. Sons of Turkey's first 
ambassador to the United States, Ahmet and Nesuhi believed in the power 
of music to bring people together. Beginning in 1940, musicians such as 
Duke Ellington, Johnny Hodges, ``Lead Belly,'' Teddy Wilson, Lester 
Young, and members of the Benny Goodman, Ellington and Count Basie 
orchestras performed at the Turkish Embassy. Their father insisted that 
in the embassy, all, regardless of color, be treated with dignity and 
respect.
  As co-founders of Atlantic Records, the Ertegun brothers were 
instrumental in bringing together artists from different backgrounds, 
breaking down racial and cultural barriers in the world of music. Ahmet 
traveled to New Orleans and Harlem to sign the greatest black musicians 
of the time, including Stick McGhee, The Harlemaires, and The Drifters. 
In the 1960s, Atlantic Records, often in partnerships with local labels 
like Stax Records in Memphis, helped to develop the growth of soul 
music, with artists such as Ben E. King, Solomon Burke, Otis Redding, 
Sam and Dave, Percy Sledge, Aretha Franklin, and Wilson Pickett.
  The Turkish Embassy's commitment to hosting these jam sessions 
exemplifies the importance of cultural diplomacy and the unifying power 
of music. Through these events, artists of diverse backgrounds, 
including African American musicians, have had the opportunity to 
showcase their talents, bridging cultural gaps and promoting 
understanding.
  As we commemorate Black History Month, let us go beyond celebrating 
the achievements of the past but also recognize the importance of 
continued collaboration and dialogue to build a more harmonious future. 
The blending of Black history and jazz, coupled with the dedicated 
endeavors of entities such as the Turkish Embassy and the Ertegun 
brothers, stands as a powerful tribute to the transformative potential 
of cultural interchange and the unifying power of music.
  I encourage my colleagues to join me in acknowledging the 
significance of Black History Month, celebrating the contributions of 
African Americans to the arts and culture, and recognizing the positive 
impact of initiatives like the Turkish Embassy-hosted jam sessions in 
fostering unity and understanding.

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