Black Music Month, 2024, 48223-48224 [2024-12477]

Agencies

• Executive Office of the President

[Federal Register Volume 89, Number 109 (Wednesday, June 5, 2024)]
[Presidential Documents]
[Pages 48223-48224]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2024-12477]



[[Page 48221]]

Vol. 89

Wednesday,

No. 109

June 5, 2024

Part II





The President





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Proclamation 10766--Black Music Month, 2024



Proclamation 10767--Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, Queer, and 
Intersex Pride Month, 2024



Proclamation 10768--National Caribbean-American Heritage Month, 2024



Proclamation 10769--National Homeownership Month, 2024



Proclamation 10770--National Ocean Month, 2024



Proclamation 10771--Adjusting Imports of Steel Into the United States


                        Presidential Documents 



Federal Register / Vol. 89 , No. 109 / Wednesday, June 5, 2024 / 
Presidential Documents

___________________________________________________________________

Title 3--
The President

[[Page 48223]]

                Proclamation 10766 of May 31, 2024

                
Black Music Month, 2024

                By the President of the United States of America

                A Proclamation

                During Black Music Month, we celebrate the Black 
                artists and creatives whose work has so often been a 
                tidal wave of change--not only by defining the American 
                songbook and culture but also by capturing our greatest 
                hopes for the future and pushing us to march forward 
                together.

                Our Nation has only recognized Black Music Month for 45 
                years, but its legacy stretches back to our country's 
                earliest days. Black music began when enslaved people, 
                who were cruelly prohibited from communicating in their 
                native languages, found ways to express themselves 
                through music. Set to the sound of African rhythms, 
                they captured the inhumanity, tragedy, and toll that 
                America's original sin took on their lives while also 
                telling the stories of their hopes and dreams, faith 
                and spirituality, and love and purpose. Ever since, 
                Black performers have carried on that tradition of 
                using art to break down barriers, create sacred spaces 
                for expression, and give voice to the promise of 
                America for all Americans. They have created and shaped 
                some of our most beloved genres of music--like folk, 
                blues, jazz, hip-hop, country, rock and roll, gospel, 
                spirituals, and R&B. Black music has set the beat of 
                the Civil Rights Movement; expressed the inherent 
                dignity and captured the pride and power of Black 
                communities; and held a mirror to the good, the bad, 
                and the truth of our Nation.

                Black music is a staple of American art and a 
                powerhouse of our culture--that is why we must continue 
                to open doors for the next generation of Black artists. 
                Since I came into office, I have had the honor of 
                bestowing some of our Nation's highest awards to some 
                of our most important Black performers and producers 
                like Gladys Knight, Berry Gordy, Tania Le[oacute]n, 
                Queen Latifah, Dionne Warwick, and more--uplifting 
                their talent and inspiring others to follow their 
                example. After making Juneteenth a National Holiday, I 
                also hosted the first Juneteenth concert on the South 
                Lawn--where the voices of Jennifer Hudson, Audra 
                McDonald, Ledisi, and other incredible performers 
                reminded us all of the beauty of Black music and Black 
                culture that is American music and American culture. 
                Last year, Vice President Kamala Harris hosted the 
                first-ever hip-hop house party at the Vice President's 
                Residence. At the same time, I have helped secure over 
                $100 million to keep concert halls, theaters, and other 
                venues afloat during the pandemic. In my Budget, I ask 
                for a total of over $400 million for the National 
                Endowment for the Arts and the National Endowment for 
                the Humanities--that includes funding for arts programs 
                in underserved communities.

                Black music embodies the best of American art--
                inspiring us, challenging us, and bringing us together. 
                This month, may we show gratitude to all the Black 
                artists, whose work speaks to the soul of who we are, 
                shows us the way forward together, and reminds us to 
                lift every voice.

                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 2024 as 
                Black Music Month. I call upon public officials, 
                educators, and all the people

[[Page 48224]]

                of the United States to observe this month by honoring 
                Black musicians and raising awareness and appreciation 
                of Black music.

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

[FR Doc. 2024-12477
Filed 6-4-24; 11:15 am]
Billing code 3395-F4-P