Overview
African-American Music Appreciation Month is an annual event in the United States honoring the rich legacy and contributions of Black music and musicians, officially recognized through presidential proclamation and congressional action.
Origins and Establishment
- Initiated as Black Music Month by President Jimmy Carter in June 1979.
- Congressional approval for official observance occurred in 2000 after advocacy by Dyana Williams.
- Williams, Kenneth Gamble, and Ed Wright played essential roles in establishing the month, with Gamble and Wright co-founding the Black Music Association in 1978.
Historical Context and Cultural Significance
- African music traditions served as a preservation technique during colonization and slavery.
- Enslaved Africans used song and story to retain cultural identity despite attempts at erasure.
- Development of African-American music gave rise to genres like rap, jazz, soul, funk, hip hop, gospel, and blues.
Name Changes and Presidential Proclamations
- The month was officially renamed African American Music Appreciation Month by President Barack Obama in 2009.
- In a 2016 proclamation, Obama emphasized the role of Black music in social justice and national identity.
- President Joe Biden restored the original name, Black Music Month, in 2023.
Key Contributors
- Kenneth Gamble is renowned for Philadelphia International Records and expanding soul music in Philadelphia.
- Ed Wright contributed early to radio and music industry organizations, passing away in September 2023.
- Dyana Williams continues to advocate for Black music, including co-authoring House Concurrent Bill 509.
Impact and Legacy
- Black Music Month recognizes the perseverance and transformative power of African-American musicians and their lasting influence on American culture.
- The celebration includes advocacy, music industry recognition, and public acknowledgment through receptions, concerts, and official statements.