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June is African American Music Appreciation Month! Created by President Jimmy Carter in 1979, this month celebrates the African American musical influences that comprise an essential part of our nation's treasured cultural heritage.

 The United States has been celebrating African-American Music Appreciation Month in June since 1979. The month of June is set aside to appreciate the contributions of African-American musicians, composers, singers, and songwriters in American culture. The month honors the history and rich African traditions that gave birth to different styles of music such as rap, hip-hop, jazz, rhythm and blues, barbershop, and swing. It is also the month to celebrate creative inspiration and appreciate the impact that African-American music has had on generations of performers and music lovers! From tales of slavery and racism and fighting for their basic human rights to finding their heritage and values in their lyrics, Black music covers a vast range of topics that have great significance for this community. Over the years, we have seen Black musicians reach great heights, not only on official music record charts but also at entertainment award ceremonies. While President Jimmy Carter designated June as Black Music Month in 1979, it wasn’t until 2000 when the presidential proclamation for the month was signed. President Barack Obama, in 2009, went on to rename the month from Black Music Month to its current name, African-American Music Appreciation Month.  

(source: NationalToday.com)

Blues is born from the racial oppression and the struggles Black people faced, take a look at the timeline of key events. 

Donate an instrument to a school, stream your favorite artists, here is some ideas on how to celebrate Black Music Month.  

How did Black Music become popular? Is jazz Black music? Find out more probing answers to your questions regarding Black Music.  

Music has the power to lift our spirits, comfort our souls, and inspire our hearts.  It gives a voice to the human spirit, creating a common language that unites people and breaks down barriers.  Perhaps no music has had as profound and powerful an impact in shaping America's musical score as Black music.  Intricately woven into the tapestry of our Nation, Black music enriches our lives and pushes the boundaries of creativity.  Throughout the decades and across the country, Black music has fueled a myriad of genres -- from rhythm and blues to jazz, gospel, country, rap and more.  This month, we celebrate the extraordinary legacy of Black music on American culture and recognize the indelible impact it continues to have on the world. 

     For generations, Black music has conveyed the hopes and struggles of a resilient people -- spirituals mourning the original sin of slavery and later heralding freedom from bondage, hard truths told through jazz and the sounds of Motown during the Civil Rights movement, and hip-hop and rhythm and blues that remind us of the work that still lies ahead.  The music created by Black artists continues to influence musicians of all persuasions, entertain people of all backgrounds, and shape the story of our Nation.

     During Black Music Appreciation Month, we honor Black musicians, singers, and contributors to the music industry -- past and present -- whose innovative talents unite us in joy as much as in sorrow and healing.  We pay homage to the musical legends whose artistic expressions help build community, generate empathy, and foster a sense of shared identity.  And we celebrate Black artists who have used their songs to stand up to injustice, fight for equality, and reflect a mirror on society -- reminding us all of our enduring obligation to deliver the promise of America for all Americans.

     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 2022 as Black Music Appreciation Month.  I call upon public officials, educators, and all the people 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-two, and of the Independence of the United States of America the two hundred and forty-sixth.

                                 JOSEPH R. BIDEN JR.

Celebrate the history and heritage of Black Music in America July 14-17, 2022

Music Lovers get ready for the 2022 Pittsburgh Black Music Festival on July 14-17 at Point State Park and Market Square in Downtown Pittsburgh. The 2022 Festival is in honor of Pittsburgh native superstar songstress Phyllis Hyman.

The City of Pittsburgh is a world renown hub for Jazz Music and the birthplace of internationally renown Jazz Artist such as: George Benson, Art Blakey, Stanley Turrentine, Billy Eckstine, Lena Horne, Earl “Fatha” Hines, Roger Humphries, Joe Negri, Ahmad Jamal and countless more.

Jazz Day - Thursday, July 14 

• Lalah Hathaway
• Debra Lewis
• Ronnie Laws

Gospel Day - Friday, July 15

• Nikki Porter
• The Walls Group
• Pastor John P. Kee

Hip Hop & RnB Day - Saturday, July 16

• Rakim
• Tony Toni Tone
• Phyllis Hyman Tribute

Funk, Blues & Soul Day - Sunday, July 17

• The BB King Experience
• Brownstone
• The Ohio Players
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For more information on the 2022 Black Music Festival and Western Pennsylvania Juneteenth Celebration, please visit WPAjuneteenth.com.