African-American Music Appreciation Month, 2009

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Part II

The President

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Proclamation 8389--African-American Music Appreciation Month, 2009

Proclamation 8390--National Caribbean-American Heritage Month, 2009

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Title 3--
The President

Proclamation 8389 of June 2, 2009

African-American Music Appreciation Month, 2009

By the President of the United States of America

A Proclamation

The legacy of African-American composers, singers,
songwriters, and musicians is an indelible piece of our
Nation's culture. Generations of African Americans have
carried forward the musical traditions of their
forebears, blending old styles with innovative rhythms
and sounds. They have enriched American music and
captured the diversity of our Nation. During African-
American Music Appreciation Month, we honor this rich
heritage.

This legacy tells a story of ingenuity and faith.
Amidst the injustice of slavery, African Americans
lifted their voices to the heavens through spirituals.
This religious music united African Americans and
helped sustain them through one of the darkest periods
in our Nation's history. Years later, spirituals
contributed to the advent of a new form of music:
gospel. Both styles incorporated elements of African
music and were rooted in faith.

The African-American music tradition also reflects
creativity and individualism. Blues, jazz, soul, and
rock and roll synthesize various musical traditions to
create altogether new sounds. Their novel chord
progressions, improvisation, and mood showcase
individual musicians while also creating a cohesive
musical unit. In addition, African-American composers
have thrived in traditional genres such as musical
theater, opera, classical symphony, and choral music,
providing their unique imprint and creatively growing
these forms of music. All of these contributions are
treasured across America and the world.

During African-American Music Appreciation Month, we
recall the known and unknown musicians who helped
create this musical history. Their contributions help
illuminate the human experience and spirit, and they
help us reflect on our Nation's ongoing narrative.

NOW, THEREFORE, I, BARACK OBAMA, 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 2009 as African-
American Music Appreciation Month. I call upon public
officials, educators, and all the people of the United
States to observe this month with appropriate
activities and programs that raise awareness and foster
appreciation of music which is composed, arranged, and
performed by African Americans.

IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand this
second day of June, in the year of our Lord two
thousand nine, and of the Independence of the United
States of America the two hundred and thirty-third.