[Federal Register Volume 73, Number 108 (Wednesday, June 4, 2008)]
[Presidential Documents]
[Pages 31921-31922]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 08-1322]



[[Page 31919]]

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Part II





The President





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Proclamation 8264--Black Music Month, 2008



Proclamation 8265--Great Outdoors Month, 2008



Proclamation 8266--Italian Independence Day, 2008



Proclamation 8267--National Child's Day, 2008
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  Federal Register / Vol. 73, No. 108 / Wednesday, June 4, 2008 / 
Presidential Documents  

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 Title 3--
 The President

[[Page 31921]]

                Proclamation 8264 of May 30, 2008

                
Black Music Month, 2008

                By the President of the United States of America

                A Proclamation

                America's diverse musical heritage exemplifies the 
                creativity and optimism of our Nation. During Black 
                Music Month, we celebrate the extraordinary talents and 
                creativity of African-American singers, musicians, and 
                composers whose achievements have enriched our culture 
                and enhanced our lives.

                For generations, African-American artists have created 
                music that communicates across racial boundaries and 
                expresses both joy and sorrow. When facing the cruelty 
                of slavery and injustice, African Americans lifted 
                spirituals to the heavens, bringing comfort to troubled 
                souls. These timeless declarations of hope and faith 
                evolved into the more modern genres of gospel, blues, 
                ragtime, and jazz, and they are given voice in the 
                musical genius of Scott Joplin, Marian Anderson, Eubie 
                Blake, and Mahalia Jackson. During the Civil Rights 
                era, African-American musicians such as Duke Ellington, 
                Muddy Waters, and Ruth Brown conveyed the struggles of 
                their communities while bringing people of all 
                backgrounds together. Today, this music continues to 
                inspire America's citizens and advance its creative 
                spirit.

                Throughout the course of American history, black 
                musicians have used their great talents to share the 
                richness of the African-American experience and to 
                develop a uniquely American style of music enjoyed 
                throughout the world. This month, we honor the pioneers 
                of African-American music and today's contemporary 
                artists who have enriched the lives of people 
                everywhere.

                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 2008 as Black Music 
                Month. I encourage all Americans to learn more about 
                the history of black music and to enjoy the great 
                contributions of African-American singers, musicians, 
                and composers.

[[Page 31922]]

                IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand this 
                thirtieth day of May, in the year of our Lord two 
                thousand eight, and of the Independence of the United 
                States of America the two hundred and thirty-second. 
                
                
                    (Presidential Sig.)

[FR Doc. 08-1322
Filed 6-3-08; 8:59 am]
Billing code 3195-01-P