    [United States Statutes at Large, Volume 134, 116th Congress, 2nd Session]
    [From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]

    Proclamation 10044 of May 29, 2020
    African-American Music Appreciation Month, 2020
    By the President of the United States of America
    A Proclamation
    The lyrics and melodies of African-American music have played a powerful
    role in defining America's unique soundscape. From the soulful streets
    of the Big Easy to the recording studios of Los Angeles, African-
    American music has shaped our American culture. During African-American
    Music Appreciation Month, we pay tribute to the monumental achievements
    of African-American artists who pioneered and evolved the blues, jazz,
    gospel, rock and roll, rap, hip-hop, and other iconic genres.
    Throughout our Nation's history, African-American music has expressed
    the pain and suffering brought on by injustice as well as the faith and
    joy of the resilient American spirit. Sam Cooke's triumphant ``A Change
    Is Gonna Come''; gave wind to the sails of millions of African Americans
    in their righteous fight for equality during the Civil Rights Movement.
    The divine voice of Mahalia Jackson, the ``Queen of Gospel,''; helped
    heal our grieving Nation in the days following the assassination of
    Martin Luther King, Jr. At major sporting events, African-American
    musical icons, such as Whitney Houston and Ray Charles, have captivated
    America with striking renditions of patriotic ballads such as the
    National Anthem and ``America the Beautiful.''; This month, we lost the
    Architect of Rock and Roll, Richard Wayne Penniman--better known and
    beloved as Little Richard--who is responsible for breaking down racial
    barriers through the universal love of his music. He was an
    unforgettable entertainer, an innovator, and an American icon. Our
    Nation mourns his passing.
    This month, we express our appreciation for the countless contributions
    of African-American singers, songwriters, and musicians, whose
    remarkable talents continue to inspire the soul of our Nation. With
    classic guitar riffs, memorable hymns, and uplifting beats, the works of
    African-American artists undeniably represent true musical excellence.
    NOW, THEREFORE, I, DONALD J. TRUMP, 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

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    2020 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
    appreciation of African-American music.
    IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand this twenty-ninth day of
    May, in the year of our Lord two thousand twenty, and of the
    Independence of the United States of America the two hundred and forty-
    fourth.
    DONALD J. TRUMP