President Bush
issued a proclamation on May 31, officially declaring June as "Black Music
Month" in the United States. Throughout the month, Bush said that every
American should celebrate a "critically important part" of the United
States’ cultural history by "highlighting the enduring legacy of African-American
musicians, singers, and composers."
Bush urged every American "to appreciate
and enjoy the fabulous achievements of this highly creative community."
Below is the official proclamation:
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 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
