[Federal Register Volume 86, Number 107 (Monday, June 7, 2021)]
[Presidential Documents]
[Pages 30131-30132]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2021-11968]


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  Federal Register / Vol. 86, No. 107 / Monday, June 7, 2021 / 
Presidential Documents  

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 Title 3--
 The President

[[Page 30131]]

                Proclamation 10220 of June 1, 2021

                
Black Music Appreciation Month, 2021

                By the President of the United States of America

                A Proclamation

                Throughout our history, there has been no richer 
                influence on the American songbook than Black music and 
                culture. From early spirituals born out of the 
                unconscionable hardships of slavery; to the creation of 
                folk and gospel; to the evolution of rhythm and blues 
                and jazz; to the ascendance of rock and roll, rap, and 
                hip-hop--Black music has shaped our society, 
                entertained and inspired us, and helped write and tell 
                the story of our Nation.

                During Black Music Appreciation Month, we honor the 
                innovative artists whose musical expressions move us, 
                brighten our daily lives, and bring us together. Across 
                the generations, Black music has pioneered the way we 
                listen to music while preserving Black cultural 
                traditions and sharing the unique experiences of the 
                Black community. Black artists have dramatically 
                influenced what we all hear and feel through music--joy 
                and sadness, love and loss, pride and purpose.

                Black music has always stood on its own--a beacon of 
                resilience and resistance--while at the same time 
                helping to shape countless other musical and cultural 
                traditions. From the syncopated rhythms of jazz to the 
                soulful expressions of R&B, Black music spans an 
                extraordinarily broad spectrum of genres and styles. 
                The distinct voices and instruments of Black artists 
                have filled the halls of the Apollo Theater in New York 
                City, Preservation Hall in New Orleans, the Fillmore in 
                San Francisco, and other iconic venues throughout the 
                United States and around the world, energizing 
                audiences and inspiring millions. The music created and 
                expressed by Black communities has paved the way for 
                generations of musicians across all races, creeds, 
                colors, religions, sexual orientations, and identities. 
                The creativity and spirit of Black music is everywhere, 
                and our Nation and the world are richer for it.

                This month, we also honor the many important 
                contributors to our Nation's musical heritage that are 
                no longer with us. And although they have taken their 
                final bows, their musical legacies and influence will 
                live on in our hearts and souls, and inspire a new 
                generation of artists and fans.

                In appreciating the indelible contributions of Black 
                Americans to the music landscape, we must also 
                recognize the crisis of racial inequity that Black 
                Americans have faced in America for centuries--a crisis 
                that is often reflected and challenged in Black music. 
                We must rededicate ourselves to rooting out systemic 
                racism from every part of our society, and work 
                together to advance racial justice and equity. In the 
                music industry, that work includes identifying and 
                eliminating barriers that Black creatives face in 
                producing and maintaining ownership of their music and 
                other creations. In this month of June, we celebrate 
                the Black music that has shaped and enlivened our lives 
                and our country, and recommit ourselves to advancing 
                racial equity for artists--and for everyone.

                NOW, THEREFORE, I, JOSEPH R. BIDEN JR., President of 
                the United States of America, by virtue of the 
                authority vested in me by the Constitution and the laws 
                of the United States, do hereby proclaim June 2021 as 
                Black Music Appreciation Month. I call upon public 
                officials, educators, and all

[[Page 30132]]

                the people of the United States to observe this month 
                with appropriate activities and programs that raise 
                awareness and appreciation of Black music.

                IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand this 
                first day of June, in the year of our Lord two thousand 
                twenty-one, and of the Independence of the United 
                States of America the two hundred and forty-fifth.
                
                
                    (Presidential Sig.)

[FR Doc. 2021-11968
Filed 6-4-21; 8:45 am]
Billing code 3295-F1-P