[Weekly Compilation of Presidential Documents Volume 38, Number 22 (Monday, June 3, 2002)]
[Pages 938-939]
[Online from the Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]

<R04>
Proclamation 7568--Black Music Month, 2002

 May 31, 2002

 By the President of the United States

 of America

 A Proclamation

    America's diverse and extraordinary musical heritage reflects the 
remarkable cultural and artistic history of our Nation. From gospel, 
blues, and jazz to rock and roll, rap, and hip-hop, our Nation's musical 
landscape offers an astounding array of uniquely American styles. During 
Black Music Month, we celebrate a critically important part of this 
heritage by highlighting the enduring legacy of African American 
musicians, singers, and composers, and urging every American to 
appreciate and enjoy the fabulous achievements of this highly creative 
community.
    Early forms of black American music developed out of the work song, 
which had its roots in African tribal chants. Through this music, slaves 
shared stories, preserved history, and established a sense of community. 
As many African slaves in early America became Christians, they adapted 
their music into the songs and life of the church. These spirituals 
eventually evolved into a genre that remains vibrant and very meaningful 
today--gospel music. This great musical tradition developed under the 
leadership of people like Thomas Dorsey, who was known as the Father of 
Gospel Music. He composed many great gospel songs that have become 
standards, and he established the tradition of the gospel music concert.
    Following emancipation, African Americans enjoyed unprecedented 
opportunities but also faced many new and frequently oppressive 
challenges. Frustrations from these

[[Page 939]]

struggles for freedom and equality found expression in a style of music 
that came to be known as the blues. Innovative musical geniuses like 
W.C. Handy, Robert Johnson, the Reverend Gary Davis, and Mamie Smith 
were among the legendary pioneers of blues music.
    As blacks migrated throughout the United States in the early 1900s, 
they tapped into their collective experience and creativity to develop 
new expressions of music. New Orleans became the center for a 
particularly American form of music--jazz. This novel genre combined 
unique rhythms and melodies with the sounds of stringed, brass, and 
woodwind instruments. Jazz captured the interest of 20th century 
America, making household names of great African American artists like 
Louis Armstrong, Charlie Parker, Ella Fitzgerald, and Miles Davis. The 
unparalleled brilliance of these and other great jazz musicians had an 
extraordinary effect upon the American musical tradition, while bringing 
great pleasure to millions of fans.
    In the 1940s, rhythm and blues emerged, synthesizing elements from 
gospel, blues, and jazz; and from these styles came the birth of rock 
and roll. A fabulous array of artists helped to pioneer this modern 
musical transformation, including Chuck Berry, Ray Charles, Marvin Gaye, 
Aretha Franklin, and Stevie Wonder.
    As we reflect on the rich and distinctive history of so many 
talented artists, we celebrate the incredible contributions that black 
musicians have made to the history of American music and their influence 
on countless forms of music around the world.
    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 2002 as Black Music 
Month. I call on Americans of all backgrounds to learn more about the 
rich heritage of black music and how it has shaped our culture and our 
way of life, and urge them to take the opportunity to enjoy the great 
musical experiences available through the contributions of African 
American music.
    In Witness Whereof, I have hereunto set my hand this thirty-first 
day of May, in the year of our Lord two thousand two, and of the 
Independence of the United States of America the two hundred and twenty-
sixth.
                                                George W. Bush

 [Filed with the Office of the Federal Register, 8:45 a.m., June 4, 
2002]

Note: This proclamation will be published in the Federal Register on 
June 5.