African-American Music Appreciation Month
African-American Music Appreciation Month, also known as Black Music Month, is an annual celebration in the United States that recognizes the significant contributions of African-American musicians to the country’s cultural heritage. This month-long observance honors the rich history and diverse genres of music created by African-American artists.
Quick Facts
- When is it?: June
- Tagged as: Black Music Month
- What’s the hashtag?: #BlackMusicMonth
- When was it founded?: 1979
- Who founded it?: Kenny Gamble, Ed Wright, and Dyana Williams
History of African-American Music Appreciation Month
President Jimmy Carter officially recognized June as Black Music Month in 1979. The idea originated from Kenny Gamble, a respected songwriter and producer, who wanted to spotlight Black artists and their impact on American culture. In 2009, President Barack Obama renamed it African-American Music Appreciation Month to reflect its broader cultural significance.
Timeline
- 1979: President Jimmy Carter declares June as Black Music Month
- 2000: Congress passes a bill officially recognizing Black Music Month
- 2009: President Barack Obama renames it African-American Music Appreciation Month
- 2023: President Joe Biden returns to the original name of Black Music Month
Upcoming Dates
| Year | Month and Date | Day |
|---|---|---|
| 2025 | June 1-30 | Sunday |
| 2026 | June 1-30 | Monday |
| 2027 | June 1-30 | Tuesday |
| 2028 | June 1-30 | Thursday |
| 2029 | June 1-30 | Friday |
| 2030 | June 1-30 | Saturday |
Observed
African-American Music Appreciation Month is observed throughout the month of June, with various events, concerts, and educational programs celebrating the rich heritage of Black music.
Fun Facts About African-American Music Appreciation Month
- The celebration started with a focus on promoting lesser-known artists
- It covers a wide range of genres, including jazz, gospel, blues, hip-hop, and R&B
- The month also recognizes the historical influence of African-American music on global culture
Quiz
- In which year was Black Music Month first declared?
- Who renamed it African-American Music Appreciation Month?
- What genres are celebrated during this month?
(Answers: 1. 1979, 2. President Barack Obama, 3. Jazz, gospel, blues, hip-hop, R&B, and more)
FAQs
Q: Why is African-American Music Appreciation Month important?
A: It recognizes the significant contributions of African-American musicians to American culture and highlights their influence on various music genres worldwide.
Q: How can I celebrate African-American Music Appreciation Month?
A: You can create playlists featuring Black artists, attend live events, support Black-owned record stores, learn about music history, or host movie nights featuring films about Black musicians.
Importance of African-American Music Appreciation Month
This celebration acknowledges the profound impact of African-American music on American culture and beyond. It honors the resilience and creativity of Black musicians who have shaped the soundtrack of our lives and used their art as a powerful tool for social change and expression.
Related
- Juneteenth
- Black History Month
- Jazz Appreciation Month
- Hip-Hop History Month
- Gospel Music Heritage Month
