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HCON 372 IH

Supporting the goals and ideals of Black Music Month and to honor the outstanding contributions that African-American singers and musicians have made to the United States.

June 12, 2008

Ms. KILPATRICK (for herself, Ms. EDDIE BERNICE JOHNSON of Texas, Mr. HASTINGS of Florida, Mr. TOWNS, Mr. CONYERS, Ms. LEE, Mr. COHEN, Mr. THOMPSON of Mississippi, Mr. GRIJALVA, Mr. SERRANO, Mr. PAYNE, Mr. CLYBURN, Mr. BUTTERFIELD, Mr. ROTHMAN, Mr. WATT, Mr. PASCRELL, Mr. HINOJOSA, Ms. CLARKE, Mr. CLEAVER, Mr. CROWLEY, Ms. VELAZQUEZ, Mr. LEWIS of Georgia, Mrs. LOWEY, Ms. MOORE of Wisconsin, Ms. BALDWIN, Mr. ACKERMAN, Mr. ISRAEL, Ms. SLAUGHTER, Mr. ELLISON, Mr. BISHOP of New York, Ms. LINDA T. SANCHEZ of California, Ms. CORRINE BROWN of Florida, Mrs. JONES of Ohio, Ms. RICHARDSON, Mr. JEFFERSON, and Mr. SCOTT of Georgia) submitted the following concurrent resolution; which was referred to the Committee on Education and Labor

Supporting the goals and ideals of Black Music Month and to honor the outstanding contributions that African-American singers and musicians have made to the United States.

Whereas the Nation should be urged to recognize the exemplary contributions that African-American singers, musicians, and composers have made both to the United States and the world;

Whereas the music of African-Americans is the music of America, and has historically transcended social, economic, and racial barriers to unite people of all backgrounds;

Whereas artists, songwriters, producers, engineers, educators, executives, and other professionals in the music industry provide inspiration and leadership through their creation of music;

Whereas African-American music is indigenous to the United States and originates from African genres of music;

Whereas African-American genres of music such as gospel, blues, jazz, rhythm and blues, rap, and hip-hop have their roots in the African-American experience;

Whereas African-American music has a pervasive influence on dance, fashion, language, art, literature, cinema, media, advertisements, and other aspects of culture;

Whereas Black music has helped African-Americans endure great suffering and overcome injustice with courage and faith;

Whereas civil rights demonstrators often marched to the cadence of many songs written and composed as gospels or spirituals that were created on the fields of slaves;

Whereas June was first declared as Black Music Month in 1979 by President Carter and has yearly been designated as National Black Music Month by all concurrent Presidents;

Whereas African-American musicians have played a significant role in inspiring people across the generations in America and around the world with their vision and creativity by writing lyrics which speak to the human experience and express heartfelt emotion;

Whereas producers of African-American music have come to be known as some of the greatest musical talents who have enriched our culture and continue to influence fellow musicians today;

Whereas African-American musicians have helped shape our national character and have become an important part of our musical heritage; and

Whereas African-American music has millions of fans of different races and ages in cities and towns all across the United States: Now, therefore, be it

Resolved by the House of Representatives (the Senate concurring), That Congress--

(1) supports the goals and ideals of Black Music Month;

(2) honors the outstanding contributions that African-American singers, musicians, composers, and producers have made to this country;

(3) calls on the people of the United States to take the opportunity to study, reflect on, and celebrate the majesty, vitality, and importance of African-American music; and

(4) requests and authorizes the President to issue a proclamation calling upon the people of the United States to observe such with appropriate ceremonies and activities.

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