The month of June is dedicated to the appreciation and celebration of African-American musicians, composers, singers, and songwriters for their contributions to American music culture. Throughout the month of June, music lovers gather together to honor the history and rich traditions that gave birth to so many different genres of music, including spirituals, blues, jazz, barbershop, swing, soul, hip-hop, rap, and more. First designated Black Music Month by President Jimmy Carter in 1979, it was another twenty-one years before the designation became official. Thanks to the lobbying efforts of journalist Dyana Williams and Congressman Chaka Fattah, a special presidential proclamation was finally signed in the year 2000. Renamed History of African-Amercian Music Appreciation Month in 2009 by President Barak Obama, June also celebrates the creative inspiration and impact that African-American music has had on generations of performers and music lovers! African-American music is an integral part of American history, telling stories of slavery, racism, and the fight for equality and justice, as well as stories of faith, family, overcoming, and victory.1
Save the following dates for Black Music Month events at Overflow Coffee:
06/03 - History of Record Row: Film Screening and Panel
6/10 - Photo Docuseries Art Exhibit
6/24 - OAD Productions Music Showcase
More details and registration links coming soon!
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1. https://nationaltoday.com/african-american-music-appreciation-month