[Weekly Compilation of Presidential Documents Volume 40, Number 26 (Monday, June 28, 2004)]
[Pages 1133-1134]
[Online from the Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]

<R04>
Proclamation 7798--Black Music Month, 2004

 June 22, 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

[[Page 1134]]

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.
    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

 [Filed with the Office of the Federal Register, 8:45 a.m., June 24, 
2004]

Note: This proclamation was published in the Federal Register on June 
25.