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.