The highly charismatic President Barack Obama has declared in an official presidential document, June 2016 “African-American Music Appreciation Month”.
History somewhat repeats itself here, with Jimmy Carter (39th president) having also dubbed June Black Music Month. But for Barack Obama (the first African American US president) there is great symbolic resonance in this.
This music is “a vital part of our Nation’s proud heritage,” he wrote, “African-American music exemplifies the creative spirit at the heart of American identity and is among the most innovative and powerful art the world has ever known.”
In the official document which can be read in full here, Obama mentions how “African-American music exemplifies the creative spirit at the heart of American identity and is among the most innovative and powerful art the world has ever known”.
He further goes on to say that African American music “brings us together, shows us a true reflection of ourselves, and inspires us to reach for the harmony that lies beyond our toughest struggles”.
In conjunction to this declaration, Obama has also called on officials, bodies and organisations to hold events, activities and programmes that help to raise awareness of this month.
As a tip of the hat, here is a fantastic track taken from last weeks release ‘Everything’s Beautiful’ LP by Robert Glasper, Miles Davis featuring Erykah Badu.
Via [Fact]