[Federal Register Volume 68, Number 123 (Thursday, June 26, 2003)]
[Presidential Documents]
[Pages 38167-38168]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 03-16401]



[[Page 38165]]

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Part V





The President





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Proclamation 7687--Black Music Month, 2003
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  Federal Register / Vol. 68, No. 123 / Thursday, June 26, 2003 / 
Presidential Documents  

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 Title 3--
 The President

[[Page 38167]]

                Proclamation 7687 of June 24, 2003

                
Black Music Month, 2003

                By the President of the United States of America

                A Proclamation

                For centuries, black artists have created or inspired 
                distinctively American musical styles. During Black 
                Music Month, we celebrate the ways that African-
                American music has helped shape American society and 
                reflect the character of our Nation, and we recognize 
                the pioneers who spearheaded these important musical 
                forms.

                Throughout history, African-American music has shown 
                the social climate of the time. From the days of 
                slavery and discrimination, through the progress of the 
                Civil Rights movement, to today, black music has told 
                the story of the African-American experience. In 
                addition to giving voice to black struggles, faith, and 
                joys, African-American music has helped also to bring 
                people together. Before our Nation's strides toward 
                equal justice, music such as jazz and blues provided a 
                venue in which people of all races could be judged by 
                their talent, and not the color of their skin.

                The people who sang the earliest African-American music 
                knew the worst of human cruelty and earthly injustice. 
                In spirituals, work songs, and shouts, we hear the pain 
                of separation and the bitterness of oppression. We also 
                hear courage, and the comfort and strength of a faith 
                that trusts God to right every wrong and wipe away 
                every tear. These songs were used to share stories, 
                spread ideas, preserve history, and establish 
                community.

                Early work songs and spirituals laid the creative 
                foundation for the development of gospel, blues, and 
                jazz. In black churches throughout the south, gospel 
                offered a medium to share the good news. The beauty of 
                both gospel and the blues lies in their power to 
                express emotions that can be felt as well as heard. The 
                blues were first popularized in America by W.C. Handy. 
                A classically trained musician, this ``Father of the 
                Blues'' helped to compose and distribute blues music 
                throughout the country. His music continues to touch 
                people today.

                In the early 20th century, the progression to jazz took 
                place all over the country, from the deep south of New 
                Orleans and the Mississippi Delta to northern cities 
                such as Chicago and New York. Black artists migrated to 
                Harlem, New York in large numbers, creating a 
                culturally diverse hub for black art, writing, and 
                music known as the Harlem Renaissance. Harlem became a 
                place of energy and magic, and timeless music emerged 
                from this period. The heart of the Harlem Renaissance 
                is reflected in the original and authentic music of 
                such influential figures as Bessie Smith, Count Basie, 
                and Fletcher Henderson.

                African Americans continued to influence popular music 
                through the 1940s and 50s, with the emergence of rhythm 
                and blues and rock and roll. These revolutionary styles 
                built upon various forms of African-American music, 
                fusing elements of jazz, blues, and gospel.

                African-American music continues to influence the 
                American music scene today with styles such as rap and 
                hip-hop. As we celebrate the many creative and 
                inspiring African-American artists whose efforts have 
                enhanced our Nation, we recognize their enduring legacy 
                and look to a future of continued musical achievement.

[[Page 38168]]

                NOW, THEREFORE, I, GEORGE W. BUSH, President of the 
                United States of America, by virtue of the authority 
                vested in me by the Constitution and laws of the United 
                States, do hereby proclaim June 2003 as Black Music 
                Month. I encourage Americans of all backgrounds to 
                learn more about the heritage of black musicians, and 
                to celebrate the remarkable role they have played in 
                our history and culture.

                IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand this 
                twenty-fourth day of June, in the year of our Lord two 
                thousand three, and of the Independence of the United 
                States of America the two hundred and twenty-seventh.

                    (Presidential Sig.)B

[FR Doc. 03-16401
Filed 6-25-03; 8:45 am]
Billing code 3195-01-P