[United States Statutes at Large, Volume 123, 111th Congress, 1st Session]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]

 
PROCLAMATION 8389--JUNE 2, 2009

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.

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123 STAT. 3659

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.
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.
BARACK OBAMA