Gospel Heritage Press Conference
Washington,
Sep 23 -
PRESS RELEASE
CONGRESSWOMAN JACKSON LEE LEADS EFFORTS ON PASSAGE OF RESOLUTION DESIGNATING SEPTEMBER AS GOSPEL MUSIC HERITAGE MONTH
“Gospel Music holds an enormous place in American culture; it is an art form that has spanned hundreds of years and several generations and continues to touch millions of lives around the world while demonstrating its profound ability to transcend secular music genres.”
Washington, D.C. – Congresswoman Sheila Jackson Lee has once again led efforts to designate September as Gospel Heritage Month. Congresswoman Jackson Lee’s resolution, H.J. Res 90, “Expressing Support for the Designation of September 2010 as ‘Gospel Music Heritage Month’ and Honoring Gospel Music for its Valuable and Longstanding Contributions to the Culture of the United States,” passed in the House on July 30, 2010. Senator Blanche Lincoln passed the companion legislation, S. Res. 590, in the Senate on July 21, 2010.
Acknowledging the importance of gospel music in the history of our country, Congresswoman Jackson Lee first designated the month of September as Gospel Music Heritage Month in 2008.
“Gospel music’s historic roots have originated in the humble and soulful melodies of African American spirituals. Its sound contains diverse elements from African music, melodic influences from Irish folk songs and hymns, and ultimately borrowed from other uniquely American musical styles including ragtime, jazz, R&B and blues. The legacy can be heard in the voices of pioneers in American history, such as: Thomas Dorsey, Mahalia Jackson, James Vaughan, Roberta Martin, and many more.”
Congresswoman Jackson Lee states, “By surpassing culturally constructed boundaries, gospel music has emerged as the musical thread uniting the fabric of America. Black, white, rich, poor, young, old, and even Democrat and Republican alike have been uniquely interlinked by gospel music’s undeniable influence and contribution to American culture. For this reason, it is important that we recognize and celebrate the vital role that gospel music has played in shaping music history.”
WHO: Congresswoman Sheila Jackson Lee
WHAT: Gospel Music Heritage Month Press Conference
WHERE: House Triangle, East Front of the Capital
WHEN: Friday, September 24, 2010, 10:00 – 11:00a.m. EST
|
