[Weekly Compilation of Presidential Documents Volume 41, Number 22 (Monday, June 6, 2005)]
[Page 919]
[Online from the Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]

<R04>
Proclamation 7907--Black Music Month, 2005

 June 1, 2005

By the President of the United States

of America

A Proclamation

    During Black Music Month, we pay tribute to a rich musical tradition 
and honor the many contributions African-American musicians, singers, 
and composers have made to the culture of our Nation and to the world. 
This powerful, moving, and soulful music speaks to every heart, lifting 
us in times of sorrow and helping us celebrate in times of joy.
    Black music's origins are found in the work songs and spirituals 
that bore witness to the cruelty of bondage and the strength of faith. 
In the strains of those songs, we hear the voice of hope in the face of 
injustice. From those roots, black music has grown into a diverse 
collection of styles, and it continues to evolve today. Black music 
captures a part of the American spirit and continues to have a profound 
impact on our country.
    This month is an opportunity to reflect upon the achievements of 
African-American artists and to look forward to the future. We remember 
Robert Johnson, Bessie Smith, Louis Armstrong, Nat King Cole, Ray 
Charles, Ella Fitzgerald, Billie Holiday, and countless others for their 
love of music and their pioneering and passionate spirit. We celebrate 
today's musicians who continue to build upon the rich and vital heritage 
of black music.
    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 2005 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 first day of 
June, in the year of our Lord two thousand five, and of the Independence 
of the United States of America the two hundred and twenty-ninth.
                                                George W. Bush

[Filed with the Office of the Federal Register, 9:46 a.m., June 3, 2005]

Note: This proclamation was released by the Office of the Press 
Secretary on June 2, and it was published in the Federal Register on 
June 6.