Black Music Month, 2003

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Part V

The President

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Proclamation 7687--Black Music Month, 2003

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Title 3--
The President

Proclamation 7687 of June 24, 2003

Black Music Month, 2003

By the President of the United States of America

A Proclamation

For centuries, black artists have created or inspired
distinctively American musical styles. During Black
Music Month, we celebrate the ways that African-
American music has helped shape American society and
reflect the character of our Nation, and we recognize
the pioneers who spearheaded these important musical
forms.

Throughout history, African-American music has shown
the social climate of the time. From the days of
slavery and discrimination, through the progress of the
Civil Rights movement, to today, black music has told
the story of the African-American experience. In
addition to giving voice to black struggles, faith, and
joys, African-American music has helped also to bring
people together. Before our Nation's strides toward
equal justice, music such as jazz and blues provided a
venue in which people of all races could be judged by
their talent, and not the color of their skin.

The people who sang the earliest African-American music
knew the worst of human cruelty and earthly injustice.
In spirituals, work songs, and shouts, we hear the pain
of separation and the bitterness of oppression. We also
hear courage, and the comfort and strength of a faith
that trusts God to right every wrong and wipe away
every tear. These songs were used to share stories,
spread ideas, preserve history, and establish
community.

Early work songs and spirituals laid the creative
foundation for the development of gospel, blues, and
jazz. In black churches throughout the south, gospel
offered a medium to share the good news. The beauty of
both gospel and the blues lies in their power to
express emotions that can be felt as well as heard. The
blues were first popularized in America by W.C. Handy.
A classically trained musician, this ``Father of the
Blues'' helped to compose and distribute blues music
throughout the country. His music continues to touch
people today.

In the early 20th century, the progression to jazz took
place all over the country, from the deep south of New
Orleans and the Mississippi Delta to northern cities
such as Chicago and New York. Black artists migrated to
Harlem, New York in large numbers, creating a
culturally diverse hub for black art, writing, and
music known as the Harlem Renaissance. Harlem became a
place of energy and magic, and timeless music emerged
from this period. The heart of the Harlem Renaissance
is reflected in the original and authentic music of
such influential figures as Bessie Smith, Count Basie,
and Fletcher Henderson.

African Americans continued to influence popular music
through the 1940s and 50s, with the emergence of rhythm
and blues and rock and roll. These revolutionary styles
built upon various forms of African-American music,
fusing elements of jazz, blues, and gospel.

African-American music continues to influence the
American music scene today with styles such as rap and
hip-hop. As we celebrate the many creative and
inspiring African-American artists whose efforts have
enhanced our Nation, we recognize their enduring legacy
and look to a future of continued musical achievement.

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 2003 as Black Music
Month. I encourage Americans of all backgrounds to
learn more about the heritage of black musicians, and
to celebrate the remarkable role they have played in
our history and culture.

IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand this
twenty-fourth day of June, in the year of our Lord two
thousand three, and of the Independence of the United
States of America the two hundred and twenty-seventh.

(Presidential Sig.)B