Black Music Month, 2023, 36445-36446 [2023-12056]

Agencies

• Executive Office of the President

[Federal Register Volume 88, Number 107 (Monday, June 5, 2023)]
[Presidential Documents]
[Pages 36445-36446]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2023-12056]




                        Presidential Documents 



Federal Register / Vol. 88 , No. 107 / Monday, June 5, 2023 / 
Presidential Documents

[[Page 36445]]


                Proclamation 10589 of May 31, 2023

                
Black Music Month, 2023

                By the President of the United States of America

                A Proclamation

                During Black Music Month, we pay homage to legends of 
                American music, who have composed the soundtrack of 
                American life. Their creativity has given rise to 
                distinctly American art forms that influence 
                contemporary music worldwide and sing to the soul of 
                the American experience.

                Much of Black music is rooted in African rhythms, 
                coupled with the experience of slavery and struggle in 
                America. Barred from expressing themselves in their 
                native tongues, enslaved people developed a language to 
                articulate their hopes, dreams, sense of loss, and 
                tenacity to overcome the harrowing nature of their 
                lives. They used music to strategically and creatively 
                voice their most deeply held feelings. Today, the 
                creative ways that Black music tells stories of trial 
                and triumph in American life continue to move us all to 
                understand the common struggles of humanity. 
                Spirituals, gospel, the blues, R&B, rock and roll, 
                jazz, pop, rap, hip-hop, and more have molded American 
                culture and given rise to new American art forms 
                emulated around the globe.

                Since taking office, my Administration has supported 
                American creators and communities--uplifting more 
                voices, inspiring new generations, and showing the full 
                power of our example as a great Nation. We have 
                invested hundreds of millions of dollars in 
                strengthening the National Endowment for the Arts and 
                the National Endowment for the Humanities while 
                securing over a billion more to help concert halls, 
                theaters, museums, libraries, and other venues recover 
                from the COVID-19 pandemic. I have also had the honor 
                of celebrating legendary Black musicians at the White 
                House who, along with thousands more across the 
                country, have made a lifetime of contributions to this 
                Nation.

                This month, we celebrate the songs and artists that 
                challenge us to think critically, stand up to 
                injustice, and believe in ourselves. We recommit to 
                expanding the promise of dignity and opportunity for 
                all Americans. And we revel in the sounds, spirit, and 
                soul of some of the very best music ever created.

                NOW, THEREFORE, I, JOSEPH R. BIDEN JR., President of 
                the United States of America, by virtue of the 
                authority vested in me by the Constitution and the laws 
                of the United States, do hereby proclaim June 2023 as 
                Black Music Month. I call upon public officials, 
                educators, and all the people of the United States to 
                observe this month by honoring Black musicians and 
                raising awareness and appreciation of Black music.

[[Page 36446]]

                IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand this 
                thirty-first day of May, in the year of our Lord two 
                thousand twenty-three, and of the Independence of the 
                United States of America the two hundred and forty-
                seventh.
                
                
                    (Presidential Sig.)

[FR Doc. 2023-12056
Filed 6-2-23; 8:45 am]
Billing code 3395-F3-P