[Federal Register Volume 74, Number 107 (Friday, June 5, 2009)]
[Presidential Documents]
[Pages 27067-27068]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: E9-13408]



[[Page 27065]]

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Part II





The President





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Proclamation 8389--African-American Music Appreciation Month, 2009



Proclamation 8390--National Caribbean-American Heritage Month, 2009
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  Federal Register / Vol. 74, No. 107 / Friday, June 5, 2009 / 
Presidential Documents  

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 Title 3--
 The President

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                Proclamation 8389 of June 2, 2009

                
African-American Music Appreciation Month, 2009

                By the President of the United States of America

                A Proclamation

                The legacy of African-American composers, singers, 
                songwriters, and musicians is an indelible piece of our 
                Nation's culture. Generations of African Americans have 
                carried forward the musical traditions of their 
                forebears, blending old styles with innovative rhythms 
                and sounds. They have enriched American music and 
                captured the diversity of our Nation. During African-
                American Music Appreciation Month, we honor this rich 
                heritage.

                 This legacy tells a story of ingenuity and faith. 
                Amidst the injustice of slavery, African Americans 
                lifted their voices to the heavens through spirituals. 
                This religious music united African Americans and 
                helped sustain them through one of the darkest periods 
                in our Nation's history. Years later, spirituals 
                contributed to the advent of a new form of music: 
                gospel. Both styles incorporated elements of African 
                music and were rooted in faith.

                The African-American music tradition also reflects 
                creativity and individualism. Blues, jazz, soul, and 
                rock and roll synthesize various musical traditions to 
                create altogether new sounds. Their novel chord 
                progressions, improvisation, and mood showcase 
                individual musicians while also creating a cohesive 
                musical unit. In addition, African-American composers 
                have thrived in traditional genres such as musical 
                theater, opera, classical symphony, and choral music, 
                providing their unique imprint and creatively growing 
                these forms of music. All of these contributions are 
                treasured across America and the world.

                During African-American Music Appreciation Month, we 
                recall the known and unknown musicians who helped 
                create this musical history. Their contributions help 
                illuminate the human experience and spirit, and they 
                help us reflect on our Nation's ongoing narrative.

                NOW, THEREFORE, I, BARACK OBAMA, 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 2009 as African-
                American Music Appreciation Month. I call upon public 
                officials, educators, and all the people of the United 
                States to observe this month with appropriate 
                activities and programs that raise awareness and foster 
                appreciation of music which is composed, arranged, and 
                performed by African Americans.

[[Page 27068]]

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

[FR Doc. E9-13408
Filed 6-4-09; 11:15 am]
Billing code 3195-W9-P