[Federal Register: June 5, 2002 (Volume 67, Number 108)]
[Presidential Documents]               
[Page 38583-38584]
From the Federal Register Online via GPO Access [wais.access.gpo.gov]
[DOCID:fr05jn02-88]                         



                        Presidential Documents 




___________________________________________________________________

Title 3--
The President

[[Page 38583]]

                Proclamation 7568 of May 31, 2002

 
                Black Music Month, 2002

                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.

[[Page 38584]]

                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.

                    (Presidential Sig.)B

[FR Doc. 02-14239
Filed 6-4-02; 8:45 am]
Billing code 3195-01-P