[United States Statutes at Large, Volume 118, 108th Congress, 2nd Session]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]

Proclamation 7798 of June 22, 2004


 
Black Music Month, 2004


By the President of the United States of America

A Proclamation

The creativity and variety of African-American composers, singers, and
musicians have shaped America's artistic and cultural landscape. During
Black Music Month, we celebrate and honor the extraordinary impact of
African-American music on our Nation's musical heritage.
The artistry of black musicians changes as each generation brings new
talent and trends. Yet, there is a continuous theme. From the profound
spirituality of African indigenous faith that influenced gospel, through
the development of blues and jazz, to the emergence of rhythm and blues
and rock and roll, we hear the richness of the African-American
experience, past and present.
The earliest African-American music echoed the struggle of the
oppressed, the trust of the faithful, and the endurance of the weary. We
hear the voice of hope in work songs, hymns, psalms, and spirituals. The
musical expression that captured the struggle for freedom and equality
formed the foundation for gospel, blues, and jazz. African-American
churchgoers transformed early spirituals into gospel music, giving voice
to praises that still move listeners today. In the early 20th century,
performers like Ida Cox and Tommy Johnson gave life to the improvised
performances and style of the blues. As artists migrated to cities, the
blues developed into an urban phenomenon and evolved into a major force
in contemporary music.

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During the same period, early pioneers such as Duke Ellington and Jelly
Roll Morton were merging African musical roots with popular and church
music to create a distinctively American sound: jazz. Songs first played
in clubs in New Orleans, Memphis, and Chicago are now recognized and
loved around the world. As jazz has expanded beyond its acoustic roots,
African-American dreams, hopes, and joys have remained at the music's
core.
The brilliance of new musical expressions emerged with rhythm and blues
in the 1940s and rock and roll in the 1950s. Songs from great artists
performing today embody the enduring appeal of this music. As black
music continues to bring enjoyment to us all, the commemoration of this
month expresses our Nation's recognition of its influence and our pride
in its legacy.
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 2004 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
musicians.
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand this twenty-second day
of June, in the year of our Lord two thousand four, and of the
Independence of the United States of America the two hundred and twenty-
eighth.
GEORGE W. BUSH

PROCLAMATION 7799--JUNE 26, 2004