[Code of Federal Regulations]
[Title 3, Volume 1]
[Revised as of January 1, 2003]
From the U.S. Government Printing Office via GPO Access
[CITE: 3CFR7568]

Proc. 7568

Proclamation 7568 of May 31, 2002

Black Music Month, 2002

By the President of the United States of America

A Proclamation

          America's diverse and extraordinary musical heritage reflects 
          the remarkable cultural and artistic history of our Nation. 
          From gospel, blues, and jazz to rock and roll, rap, and hip-
          hop, our Nation's musical landscape offers an astounding array 
          of uniquely American styles. During Black Music Month, we 
          celebrate a critically important part of this heritage by 
          highlighting the enduring legacy of African American 
          musicians, singers, and composers, and urging every American 
          to appreciate and enjoy the fabulous achievements of this 
          highly creative community.
          Early forms of black American music developed out of the work 
          song, which had its roots in African tribal chants. Through 
          this music, slaves shared stories, preserved history, and 
          established a sense of community. As many African slaves in 
          early America became Christians, they adapted their music into 
          the songs and life of the church. These spirituals eventually 
          evolved into a genre that remains vibrant and very meaningful 
          today--gospel music. This great musical tradition developed 
          under the leadership of people like Thomas Dorsey, who was 
          known as the Father of Gospel Music. He composed many great 
          gospel songs that have become standards, and he established 
          the tradition of the gospel music concert.
          Following emancipation, African Americans enjoyed 
          unprecedented opportunities but also faced many new and 
          frequently oppressive challenges. Frustrations from these 
          struggles for freedom and equality found expression in a style 
          of music that came to be known as the blues. Innovative 
          musical geniuses like W.C. Handy, Robert Johnson, the Reverend 
          Gary Davis, and Mamie Smith were among the legendary pioneers 
          of blues music.
          As blacks migrated throughout the United States in the early 
          1900s, they tapped into their collective experience and 
          creativity to develop new expressions of music. New Orleans 
          became the center for a particularly American form of music--
          jazz. This novel genre combined unique rhythms and

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          melodies with the sounds of stringed, brass, and woodwind 
          instruments. Jazz captured the interest of 20th century 
          America, making household names of great African American 
          artists like Louis Armstrong, Charlie Parker, Ella Fitzgerald, 
          and Miles Davis. The unparalleled brilliance of these and 
          other great jazz musicians had an extraordinary effect upon 
          the American musical tradition, while bringing great pleasure 
          to millions of fans.
          In the 1940s, rhythm and blues emerged, synthesizing elements 
          from gospel, blues, and jazz; and from these styles came the 
          birth of rock and roll. A fabulous array of artists helped to 
          pioneer this modern musical transformation, including Chuck 
          Berry, Ray Charles, Marvin Gaye, Aretha Franklin, and Stevie 
          Wonder.
          As we reflect on the rich and distinctive history of so many 
          talented artists, we celebrate the incredible contributions 
          that black musicians have made to the history of American 
          music and their influence on countless forms of music around 
          the world.
          NOW, THEREFORE, I, GEORGE W. BUSH, President of the United 
          States of America, by virtue of the authority vested in me by 
          the Constitution and laws of the United States, do hereby 
          proclaim June 2002 as Black Music Month. I call on Americans 
          of all backgrounds to learn more about the rich heritage of 
          black music and how it has shaped our culture and our way of 
          life, and urge them to take the opportunity to enjoy the great 
          musical experiences available through the contributions of 
          African American music.
          IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand this thirty-
          first day of May, in the year of our Lord two thousand two, 
          and of the Independence of the United States of America the 
          two hundred and twenty-sixth.

GEORGE W. BUSH